Concurrent chemoradiotherapy treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer: gemcitabine versus 5-fluorouracil,a randomized controlled study

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of gemcitabine (GEM)-concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) vs. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) CCRT for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-four patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer were studied. Eighteen patients were randomized to receive GEM CCRT (600 mg/m(2)/wk for 6 weeks) and 16 patients to receive bolus 5-FU CCRT (500 mg/m(2)/d for 3 days repeated every 2 weeks for 6 weeks). All patients were to receive 3D-CRT 50.4-61.2 Gy at 1.8-Gy/d fractions and GEM (1000 mg/m(2) weekly for 3 weeks repeated every 4 weeks) after RT. RESULTS: The median survival and median time to progression were 14.5 months and 7.1 months for the GEM CCRT group and 6.7 months and 2.7 months for the 5-FU CCRT group (p = 0.027 and p = 0.019, respectively). The quality-adjusted life month survival time was 11.2 +/- 0.5 months for GEM CCRT and 6.0 +/- 0.3 months for 5-FU CCRT patients (p <0.001). The response rate was 50% (four complete responses and five partial responses) for GEM CCRT and 13% (two partial responses) for 5-FU CCRT (p = 0.005). Pain control was 39% for GEM CCRT and 6% for 5-FU CCRT (p = 0.043). Grade 3-4 neutropenia (34% vs. 19%), thrombocytopenia (0% vs. 7%), nausea (33% vs. 31%), vomiting (17% vs. 19%), hospitalization days per month of survival (7.4 +/- 1.7 days vs. 8.0 +/- 1.3 days), and full dose of RT received (78% vs. 75%) were not significantly different between the GEM CCRT and 5-FU CCRT patients. CONCLUSION: GEM CCRT appears more effective than 5-FU CCRT for locally advanced pancreatic cancer and has comparable tolerability.     

A phase I study of weekly docetaxel, 24-hour infusion of high-dose fluorouracil/leucovorin and cisplatin in patients with advanced gastric cancer

OBJECTIVES: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of both docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) when administered weekly in a regimen of docetaxel, 5-FU/leucovorin and cisplatin (DFLP) for 2 consecutive weeks every 3 weeks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients with chemo-naive, advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach were enrolled in the study. Cisplatin and leucovorin dosages were fixed throughout the study at 30 and 300 mg/m2, respectively. 5-FU dosage was fixed at 1,600 mg/m2 while docetaxel was evaluated at weekly 1-hour infusion dosages of 30, 40 and 50 mg/m2 to determine the MTD. Cisplatin, 5-FU and leucovorin were administered together as a 24-hour continuous infusion following docetaxel. Weekly 5-FU dosages of 1,600, 2,000 and 2,400 mg/m2 were then evaluated after setting the docetaxel dosage at the MTD. RESULTS: A total of 95 chemotherapy cycles were administered, with a median of three cycles per patient. The MTD of docetaxel was defined at 40 mg/m2. At a docetaxel dosage of 50 mg/m2 per week, the dose-limiting events of grade 4 febrile neutropenia and grade 3 hypomagnesemia occurred. With fixation of docetaxel to 40 mg/m2, the DLT for 5-FU was found at 2,400 mg/m2 per week. This incurred grade 4 neutropenia such that the MTD of 5-FU was defined at 2,000 mg/m2. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 14 patients (45%), with 2 patients developing febrile neutropenia. Grade 2 and 3 hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia occurred in 9 (41%) and 4 (18%) patients, respectively, of the first 22 patients treated with a 24-hour infusion of cisplatin and 5-FU/leucovorin immediately following docetaxel. Following a change in the cisplatin administration schedule to a 3-hour infusion after 5-FU/leucovorin infusion, no such complications were observed in 9 subsequently treated patients. Grade 2 diarrhea was recorded in 11 patients (35%). Grade 2/3 asthenia occurred in 9 patients (30%), which resolved after correction of electrolyte disorders. Twenty-six patients were assessable for response analysis. There were 2 (7.8%) complete and 14 (53.8%) partial responses, with the overall response rate being 61.5% (95% confidence interval, 41.5-81.6%). Responses were observed at all dose levels. CONCLUSION: Two consecutive weeks of DFLP infusions every 3 weeks appear to be an active regimen with a tolerable toxicity profile in advanced gastric cancer. For further phase II studies, the recommended dose for this combination is 40 mg/m2 of docetaxel and 2,000 mg/m2 of 5-FU per week.     

吉西他滨为基础的化疗方案治疗进展期胰腺癌的临床研究

背景与目的:进展期胰腺癌预后差.吉西他滨可以改善胰腺癌患者的生存质量,但吉西他滨联合方案疗效是否优于单药,还存在争议,国内更缺乏相关的临床研究.本研究目的是比较吉西他滨为基础的联合化疗方案与吉西他滨单药治疗进展期胰腺癌的疗效.方法:回顾性分析2000～2005年收治的40例经临床或病理确诊的进展期胰腺癌临床资料,其中吉西他滨单药组15例,吉西他滨剂量为1 000 mg/m2,每周1次,连用7周,休息2周,之后每周1次,连用3周,4周重复;吉西他滨联合治疗组25例,联合化疗方案包括吉西他滨1 000 mg/m2,每周1次,连用2周,分别联合:(1)氟尿嘧啶425～600 mg/m2,静脉滴注或持续静脉泵入,d1-5,3周重复;(2)顺铂60～75 mg/m2,分第1、2天,3周重复;(3)奥沙利铂85～130 mg/m2,d1,3周重复;(4)卡培他滨l000 mg/m2,2次/天,d1-14,3周重复.采用Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析患者的生存期,并比较两组间的临床受益反应、中位疾病进展时间、中位生存时间和不良反应.结果:吉西他滨联合组与单药组患者的临床受益反应均得到改善(56.0% vs.46.7%),但疾病控制率、中位生存时间、临床受益反应在两组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),不良反应的发生率也相似(P＞0.05).对Ⅲ～Ⅳ期患者进行分层分析,发现吉西他滨联合组疾病控制率高于单药组(75.0% vs.45.5%),但无统计学意义(P=0.13).结论:吉西他滨联合方案与单药治疗进展期胰腺癌相比,疗效、临床受益反应、中位生存时间两组相似.     

Phase I study of CPT-11 and continuous 5-FU / l-leucovorin combination therapy(modified AIO regimen)in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

A combination of CPT-11, continuous 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)and leucovorin(LV), the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Internistische Onkologie(AIO)regimen, is widely used for the treatment of metastatic CRC. The efficacy and toxicity of this regimen, however, have not been determined in Japanese patients with metastatic CRC. Our objective was to evaluate the safety of the AIO regimen plus CPT-11 in Japanese colorectal carcinoma(CRC)patients. We investigated the maximum tolerated dose(MTD), dose-limiting toxicity(DLT), and recommended dose(RD)for CPT-11 and continuous 5-FU. CPT-11, 5-FU, and l-LV were administered on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. The dose of CPT- 11 was escalated from 40 mg/m2 (level 1)to 80 mg/m2 (level 3). The 5-FU dose was then escalated from 1,000 mg/m2 (level 4)to 2,000 mg/m2 (level 5). If neither level met the criteria for the MTD, the recommended dose was defined as level 5, and the dose escalation was discontinued, because the maximum approved weekly dose of CPT-11 alone in Japan is 80 mg/m2 and the dose of 5-FU in the original AIO regimen was 2,000 mg/m2. A total of 18 patients were enrolled in this study. Hematological and non-hematological toxicity were infrequent and mild. There were no toxicities greater than grade 2 at each dose level. Level 5 did not meet the MTD criteria. Our results confirm that the modified AIO plus CPT-11 regimen is safe for Japanese patients. The recommended doses in the present study were CPT-11 80 mg/m2, 5-FU 2,000 mg/m2, and l-LV 250 mg/m2.     

Gemcitabine concurrent with continuous infusional 5-fluorouracil in advanced biliary cancers: a review of the Princess Margaret Hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: Unresectable biliary tract cancer has a very poor prognosis. A combination of weekly gemcitabine plus continuous infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (GEM/CVI 5-FU) was evaluated as therapy for this cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 27 patients with advanced biliary tract adenocarcinoma treated with GEM/CVI 5-FU at the Princess Margaret Hospital were evaluated for response, survival and toxicity. The treatment consisted of a 30-min infusion of gemcitabine at 900 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle plus 5-FU given via a peripherally inserted central line at 200 mg/m(2)/day continuously for 21 days, every 28 days. RESULTS: Objective responses were observed in nine patients (33%; 95% confidence interval 17% to 54%). An additional eight patients (30%) achieved stable disease for a median of 4 months (range 2.3-11). Median time to progression and overall survival were 3.7 and 5.3 months, respectively. Direct chemotherapy-related toxicity was mild, with only 11% grade > or =3 myelosuppression. Central venous catheter complications were common (26%). There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that GEM/CVI 5-FU is active and well tolerated in advanced and metastatic biliary tract cancers.     

A novel biweekly pancreatic cancer treatment schedule with gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a common disease considered to be poorly responsive to antiblastic treatment. Recent clinical and preclinical results suggest that a combined treatment of gemcitabine (GEM), 5-flurouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) offers a clinical benefit in patients with advanced pancreas adenocarcinoma. The aim of this phase II clinical trial was to evaluate the antitumour activity and toxicity of a novel biweekly schedule of this combination in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A total of 42 patients received a 30 min infusion of FA (100 mg m(-2)) and 5-FU (400 mg m(-2)) (FUFA) on days 1-3, and GEM 1000 mg m(-2) on day 1 every 15 days. We observed 13 objective responses (two complete, 11 partial) and 23 stable diseases. The median time to progression was 9.75 months (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 6.88-12.62) and the median overall survival was 13.10 months (95% CI 9.64-16.56). There were seven cases of each grade III gastroenteric and haematological toxicity. The GEM plus FUFA combination appears to be well tolerated and very active in patients with pancreatic carcinoma.     

Sequential therapy with methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma

Twenty-nine patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma were entered in this study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a sequential chemotherapeutic schedule with methotrexate (MTX), 200 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) (push injection) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 1,200 mg/m2 in continuous IV infusion, using a 20-hour time interval. All patients received calcium leucovorin (LV), 25 mg, intramuscularly (IM) every six hours for eight doses beginning 24 hours after methotrexate administration. Courses were administered every 15 days. Of the 24 patients evaluable for response, 11 (46%) had major objective regressions (one complete remission [CR] and ten partial remissions [PR]). The survival rate of patients who responded to treatment was 60% at 16 months, whereas patients with no change and those in whom the disease progressed had a median survival of 9 months and 3 months, respectively. The median duration of response has not yet been reached in patients who presented objective tumor regression, and was 7.5 months in those with no change. Significant differences were found between objective regression and no change (P less than .0005) and between no change and tumor progression (P less than .05). All patients were evaluable for toxicity. There were three toxic-related deaths (10%) because of severe myelosuppresion, sepsis, and hemorrhage. These promising results, despite important toxicity, reveal the synergism between the two chemotherapeutic agents and also indicate that the response rate achieved could be a consequence of the 20-hour interval and high dose of 5-FU. Further studies are necessary to determine the optimal time interval and the adequate 5-FU dose.     

Concomitant administration of 4-hydroxypyrazolopyrimidine (allopurinol) and high-dose continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil

We tried to study the protection of allopurinol (HPP) from the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). A total of 29 patients received 74 cycles of chemotherapy (16 colon adenocarcinomas, 7 head and neck, 3 breast cancers and 3 cancers of pancreas). HPP was given 900 mg/day p.o. 4 days prior to treatment, and continued with same dose throughout the course of 5-FU and for 12 days after completion of the treatment. 5-FU was administered in 24 hour intravenous infusions on days 1-5 (dose range 900-1,200 mg/m2/day). 5-FU was given alone or in combination with mitomycin-C 10 mg/m2/day (1st day), epirubicin 40 mg/m2/day (1st, 2nd day), cis-platinum 120 mg/m2/day (1st day). In comparison with other studies the toxicity was limited. We conclude that HPP can diminish the side effects, especially myelosuppression, allowing an increase in the maximum tolerated dose of 5-FU; even if combined with other cytostatic drugs. Control studies must be done to confirm our observations.     

A phase I trial of gemcitabine and infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with refractory solid tumors: Louisiana Oncology Associates protocol no. 1 (LOA-1)

The major purposes of this study were to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), toxicity profile, and antitumor activity of gemcitabine (GEM) (Gemzar) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination therapy when administered to patients with advanced solid tumors. GEM was administered intravenously over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15, and 5-FU was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion from day 1 through day 15 of each 28-day treatment course. Seventeen patients (13 men and 4 women, median age 57, all previously treated with chemotherapy) were treated with 68 courses at 3 dose levels: 800/200, 1,000/200, and 1,000/300 [GEM (mg/m2/week)/ 5-FU (mg/m2/day)]. Two further patients were not fully evaluable for toxicity; one died from a probable pulmonary embolism, and one refused further treatment after developing grade II mucositis and dermatitis after her day 1 to 7 treatment. At the third dose level, 2 of 4 patients developed grade III mucositis; one also developed grade IV neutropenia with fever and grade III thrombocytopenia. Patient accrual then resumed at the second dose level. At this level, 10 patients were treated, with two developing grade III mucositis. One of these patients also developed grade IV dermatitis. No other patient developed grade III or IV side effects. Prophylactic dexamethasone was initiated after 4 of the first 7 patients (including 1 of the not fully evaluable patients) developed dermatitis-grade IV in 1 patient and grade II in the remaining 3 patients. After the steroids were initiated, 4 of the last 11 patients treated developed dermatitis, but grade 1 in all cases. One patient with metastatic gastric cancer achieved a near-complete response of his gastric mass and adrenal metastasis. Minor responses were achieved in a patient with colon carcinoma and a patient with an ethmoid sinus adenoid cystic carcinoma. The MTD and recommended dose for phase II clinical trials of GEM and 5-FU on the above schedule is 1,000 mg/m2 and 200 mg/m2 respectively, with mucositis as the DLT.     

High-dose methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. A randomized study of two pretreatment intervals

Thirty-two patients with untreated advanced colorectal carcinoma received high-dose methotrexate pretreatment followed sequentially by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Patients were randomized to receive high-dose methotrexate pretreatment at one of two intervals (0 h or 3 h before 5-FU). There were 16 patients in each study arm. The median methotrexate dose was 1,000 mg/m2 (range, 600-1,200 mg/m2) and that of 5-FU was 1,000 mg/m2 (range, 800-1,200 mg/m2). Treatments were repeated every 21 days. Three patients achieved partial remission (1 in the 3-h interval arm and 2 in the 0-h interval arm). As the response rate using this regimen was noted to be 9% with a less than 5% chance of achieving a response rate higher than 20%, we terminated this study although the therapy resulted in mild-to-moderate but infrequent toxicity. We thus conclude that pretreatment with high-dose methotrexate given at short intervals followed by 5-FU has no significant activity against colorectal carcinoma.     

Sequence effect of irinotecan and fluorouracil treatment on pharmacokinetics and toxicity in chemotherapy-naive metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the sequence effect of irinotecan and a 48-hour infusion of fluorouracil (5-FU) modulated by leucovorin (LV) on the plasma pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and its metabolites, the toxicity profile of this combination, and irinotecan's maximum-tolerated dose (MTD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three metastatic colorectal cancer patients were randomized to receive a 60-minute infusion of irinotecan before or after a 48-hour infusion of 5-FU modulated by LV. The reverse sequence was used after 21 days for the second cycle. 5-FU 3,500 mg/m2 was preceded by l-LV 250 mg/m2. Irinotecan 150 mg/m2 (starting dose) was administered to the first three patients. The dose was escalated by 50 mg/m2 in subsequent groups of three to six patients to determine the MTD for both sequences. Pharmacokinetic analysis of irinotecan and its metabolites was performed after each cycle. RESULTS: Toxicities were affected by the sequence of administration of irinotecan and 5-FU, with an improved tolerability for irinotecan followed by 5-FU. The irinotecan MTD was reached at 300 mg/m2 when irinotecan followed 5-FU and at 450 mg/m2 when it preceded 5-FU. In seven of 23 patients who received both sequences at identical irinotecan doses, the dose-limiting toxicity was observed only when irinotecan followed 5-FU. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that the administration sequence significantly affected the SN-38 area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUC), which was 40.1% lower (P <.05) when irinotecan preceded 5-FU. CONCLUSION: The sequence of treatment with irinotecan and infusional 5-FU affects the tolerability of this combination. This can be explained in part by a reduced SN-38 AUC when irinotecan preceded infusional 5-FU. Well-defined 5-FU/irinotecan regimens are needed because the administration sequence or the interval between the agents might affect treatment tolerance and perhaps also activity.     

A controlled trial of the effect of 4-hydroxypyrazolopyrimidine (allopurinol) on the toxicity of a single bolus dose of 5-fluorouracil

We have evaluated, in a controlled study, the modification of the toxicity of a single bolus dose of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by allopurinol. Patients first received a single dose of 5-FU and were monitored for toxicity. If a measurable nadir in WBC or platelet count occurred, then the same dose of 5-FU was repeated with concurrent allopurinol, given for four consecutive days at an initial dose of 300 mg twice daily, starting the day before the administration of 5-FU. With this schedule, each evaluable patient received courses of 5-FU with and without allopurinol that could be compared for toxicity. Twenty patients received initial 5-FU doses of either 1,200 mg/m2 or 1,500 mg/m2 and later had the same dose repeated with allopurinol. Nineteen of these patients had a higher WBC count with allopurinol than without it. In several patients who received a further course of 5-FU with 900-mg/d allopurinol, the WBC count was yet higher than with 600-mg/d allopurinol. The myelosuppression produced by 5-FU was characterized by a decrease in granulocyte levels that was much greater than the decrease in lymphocyte levels, and the result of allopurinol treatment was to attenuate this effort on granulocytes. In a second part of the trial, the goal was to establish the maximum tolerated dose of 5-FU given with concurrent allopurinol. In this part of the study, all patients entered were given 5-FU, usually 1,200 mg/m2, with allopurinol, usually 600 mg/d for four days. Escalations of one or the other drugs were made on subsequent treatments. The data for 22 patients showed that 1,800 mg/m2 of 5-FU was well tolerated if given with 600 to 1,200 mg of allopurinol per day, and that the WBC count nadirs were no more severe than those of 1,200-mg/m2 5-FU without allopurinol. Neurotoxicity became limiting in some patients treated at these higher doses. We conclude that allopurinol given in the proper dose and schedule can diminish the granulocytopenia produced by bolus doses of 5-FU, thereby allowing a 50% increase in the maximal tolerated dose of 5-FU.     

Gemcitabine (GEM), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) in patients with different gastroenteric malignancies

This phase II clinical trial was performed in order to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, toxicity and anti-tumor activity of a novel combination of gemcitabine (GEM), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) designed on a specific translational basis. Every 4 weeks, 44 patients with various gastroenteric malignancies, 29 of whom had pancreas carcinoma, received a short intravenous (i.v.) infusion of FA (100 mg/m2) and 5-FU (400 mg/m2) on days 1-5, and GEM 1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 16. Our results suggest that, although this treatment leads to hematological and gastroenteric toxicity, it is very active in patients with pancreatic carcinoma. We therefore believe that an improved version would merit further investigation in larger scale trials.     

A simplified regimen of weekly high dose 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin as a 24-hour infusion in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Reports of in vitro experiments in colorectal carcinoma cells suggest that prolonged cellular exposure to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with relatively low concentrations of leucovorin (LV) provides optimal enhancement of 5-FU efficacy. In this study, a simplified regimen of weekly 24-hour infusion of high dose 5-FU combined with a relatively low dose of LV was used to treat patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma received 5-FU, 2600 mg/m2, admixed with LV, 100 mg/m2, in a portable infusion pump administered intravenously over a 24-hour period. High dose 5-FU/LV was delivered once a week for 5 consecutive weeks followed by a 1-week recovery period. All patients were assessable for toxicity and response. RESULTS: Two complete responses and 15 partial responses were observed (response rate of 47.2%; 95% confidence interval, 30.1-64.4%). The median response duration was 9.6 months. The median survival and time to progression were 11.9 months and 7.1 months, respectively. The toxicity was mild and acceptable. The major dose-limiting factors were hand-foot syndrome and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This simplified regimen of weekly 24-hour continuous infusion of high dose 5-FU/LV is an effective regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Further study of the pharmacokinetics of combination therapy with 5-FU and LV as used in this regimen and its correlation with response and toxicity is warranted.     

A phase II study of weekly 24-hour infusion with high-dose fluorouracil with leucovorin in colorectal carcinoma

Twenty-two patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Ten patients had received prior chemotherapy that included the combination of fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV). All patients required subcutaneous port insertion and portable external infusion pumps to allow outpatient treatment. 5-FU (2,600 mg/m2) was administered concurrently with LV (500 mg/m2) over 24 hours of continuous infusion. The mean steady-state plasma concentration of 5-FU was 10 mumol/L (range, 7 to 14 mumol/L). The 5-FU dose was based on our previous phase I study, in which maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of 5-FU was determined to be 2,600 mg/m2 in combination with a fixed dose of LV at 500 mg/m2. The treatment was repeated weekly. Twenty-two patients received a total of 560 courses of treatment. Eleven instances of grade 2-3 toxicity were observed: diarrhea (five), stomatitis (three), hand/foot syndrome (three). The overall objective response was 45% (10 of 22) and among previously untreated patients was 58%. Three of the responders achieved complete response (CR), with lung and liver as the metastatic sites. The median duration of survival for the previously untreated patients was not reached at 22 months, and was 10 months for the previously treated patients. These results suggest that short-term infusional therapy of 5-FU and LV in patients with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer generates acceptable toxicity, with equivalent or superior survivability in previously treated and untreated patients versus alternative methods of administration of the two agents.     

Adjuvant radio-chemotherapy in stage II-III rectal cancer with 24-hour infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid: evaluation of feasibility.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative radio-chemotherapy has been established as standard treatment for stage II and III rectal cancer patients in the last decade. To improve the efficacy of this therapy, we decided to evaluate continuous 24-hour infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with folinic acid (FA) in combination with local radiation versus standard bolus 5-FU/FA with local radiation in a randomized study. Here we report on the first 28 patients to receive the experimental treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage II and III rectal cancer received weekly 2-hour infusions of FA 500 mg/m2 followed by continuous 24-hour infusions of 5-FU 2,600 mg/m2 postoperatively via a Port-A-Cath system. The first cycle included 8 consecutive weekly administrations, the 1st-4th in full dose, the 5th-8th with 50% reduced dose while local irradiation (45 or 50.4 Gy) was performed. Thereafter, two further chemotherapy cycles (6 weekly administrations, 100% dose) followed. RESULTS: 28 patients received continuous 5-FU/FA treatment, of whom only 21 were evaluable for tolerability. 19 patients (90.4%) completed the first cycle, only 14 patients entered the second treatment cycle. Especially during the combined radiochemotherapy, increased toxicity was observed with grade III/IV diarrhea (n = 2), nausea (n = 1), leukopenia (n = 1), and cardiac toxicity (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The high rate of premature treatment dropout indicate that the chosen schedule of weekly high-dose 5-FU/FA continuous infusion and combined postoperative radiotherapy should not be recommended for further use in postoperative adjuvant treatment.     

A weekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)+leucovorin and bi-weekly cisplatin (CDDP) was active and well tolerated in patients with non-colon digestive carcinomas

In patients with non-colon digestive carcinomas, various schedules and doses of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin combined with cisplatin (CDDP) have been used extensively. The present study explored the toxicity and activity of a weekly 24-h infusion of high dose 5-FU modulated by high dose leucovorin with bi-weekly CDDP. 59 patients with measurable disease were treated with a weekly infusion of high dose 5-FU (2 or 2.6 g/m2)+leucovorin 500 mg/m2 for 6 weeks and a bi-weekly dose of CDDP (50 mg/m2). All patients had metastatic or locoregionally advanced disease and had a performance status < or =3. All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 58 for response. Toxicity was different according to the schedule of 5-FU. Serious adverse events occurred most frequently when 5-FU was given at a dose of 2.6 g/m2 with a high incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia (16%) and febrile neutropenia (13%), and led to dose reductions in both CDDP and 5-FU in 13 patients (34%). For patients who started 5-FU at a dose of 2 g/m2, no reduction in 5-FU was required, and only 4 patients required a dose reduction of CDDP (19%). Grade 3/4 neutropenia was seen in 10% of patients of this group and only 1 patient required hospitalisation for febrile neutropenia. Other grade 3/4 toxicities were rare in both groups. Renal toxicity was infrequent and mild and did not require dose adjustments. The overall response rate was 33%; 19 patients achieved a partial responses (PR). No patient had a complete response (CR). The median duration of response was 5.7 months (range 2-24 months) and the median survival was 7.9 months ( range: 1-30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7-9). The combination of weekly 24-h infusion of high dose 5-FU with leucovorin and bi-weekly cisplatin seems a well-tolerated and active treatment in non-colon digestive carcinomas. A dose of 2 g/m2 of 5-FU seems to be recommended.     

A combination of gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil in advanced pancreatic cancer, a report from the Italian Group for the Study of Digestive Tract Cancer (GISCAD).

In a randomized clinical trial, gemcitabine (GEM) was more effective than 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. GEM and 5-FU have different mechanisms of action and their combination, from a theoretical point of view, could result in a higher activity. To test activity and feasibility of such a combination, a multi-institutional phase II study was initiated in November 1996 by the Italian Group for the study of Digestive Tract Cancer (GISCAD). Primary objectives of this study were to determine the activity in terms of response rate and clinical benefit, while the secondary objective was toxicity. According to the optimal two-stage phase II design, 54 patients were enrolled. Schedule was: GEM 1000 mg m(-2) intravenous (i.v.), and 5-FU 600 mg m(-2) bolus i.v. weekly for 3 weeks out of every 4. All the 54 patients were symptomatic (pain, weight loss, dyspepsia). A clinical benefit was obtained in 28 patients (51%) (95% confidence interval (CI) 38-64%). Two patients achieved a partial response and 34 a stable disease. Median survival for all the patients was 7 months. Side-effects were mild: no gastrointestinal or haematological grade 3-4 toxicity (WHO) were recorded. We observed only six episodes of grade 2 (WHO) leukopenia and seven episodes of thrombocytopenia. Although the non-randomized design of this study suggests caution in the interpretation of these data, in consideration of the low incidence of toxicity and the favourable results obtained in terms of clinical benefit, it may be worthwhile to test more active schedules of 5-FU (continuous infusion) in combination with gemcitabine.     

Retrospective comparison of two different schedules of irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in previously untreated patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma: a single institution experience

PURPOSE: To compare efficacy and tolerability of weekly irinotecan combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) bolus and folinic acid (FA) regimen (IFL) versus biweekly irinotecan with infusional 5-FU and FA (FOLFIRI) in patients (pts) with advanced stage colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatments outcome of 86 pts (IFL - 38 pts, FOLFIRI - 48 pts) was evaluated. Chemotherapy regimens were as follows: IFL - intravenous (i.v.) infusion irinotecan 125 mg/m(2) over 90 min and 5-FU 500 mg/m(2) preceded by FA 20 mg/m(2) both given by i.v. bolus injection, all repeated on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 every 6 weeks; FOLFIRI - i.v. irinotecan 180 mg/ m(2) on days 1 and 15 with subsequent FA 200 mg/m(2) administered as a 2-hour infusion and i.v. bolus injection of 400 mg/m(2) 5-FU immediately followed by 22-hour i.v. infusion of 600 mg/m(2) 5-FU on days 1, 2, 15 and 16 every 4 weeks. Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 152 (mean - 4) IFL cycles and 328 (mean - 6) FOLFIRI cycles were administered. Average dose intensity was 0.8 and 0.78 respectively. Toxicities were mild and manageable for both regimens evaluated. Overall response rate was 36.8% in IFL arm and 44.7% in FOLFIRI arm. At the median follow-up of 16 months in IFL arm and 14 months in FOPFIRI arm the two year survival was 38% and 45%, the median survival was 18 months and 21.5 months, and the median progression free survival was 6 months and 9.4 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, both IFL and FOLFIRI regimens have acceptable toxicity at a similar level of dose intensity. Compared to IFL, FOLFIRI seems to improve progression-free survival.     

A phase II study of irinotecan alternated with a weekly schedule of oxaliplatin, high-dose leucovorin and 48-hour infusion 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of irinotecan (CPT-11) alternated with a weekly treatment for 4 weeks of oxaliplatin (L-OHP), high-dose leucovorin (LV) and a 48-hour 5-fluorouracil infusion (5-FU 48 h) as first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). Patients and METHODS: Previously untreated patients with ACC received chemotherapy consisting of a weekly treatment for 4 weeks of L-OHP (65 mg/m2), high-dose LV (150 mg/m2) followed by a 5-FU 48 h infusion (2,300 or 1,800 mg/m2) alternated with CPT-11 (350 mg/m2). A cycle was to be performed every 8 weeks. Treatment was continued up to tolerance, disease progression or patient refusal. Forty consecutive patients with measurable ACC, aged 26-70, performance status < or =2, entered our study. RESULTS: Six complete and 17 partial responses were observed (overall response rate, 57.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 38.8-71.1%); an additional 35% of the patients had stable disease. The median duration of response was 10.9 months (range, 6.5-30+ months). The median time to progression and the median overall survival time were 11.4 (95% CI: 10.4-12.3) and 20.3 (95% CI: 16.4-23.7) months, respectively. At the median follow-up period of 24 months, 17 patients (42.5%) are still alive. After a median number of 4 cycles, one toxic death occurred. The incidence of grade 3-4 toxicity per patient in any cycle was: stomatitis 7.5%, nausea/vomiting 2.5% and diarrhea 45% for the infusional part, neutropenia 37.5%, anemia 2.5%, thrombocytopenia 5%, alopecia 5% and diarrhea 10% for the CPT-11 part of the regimen. Gastrointestinal toxicity was different according to the dose of 5-FU. Serious adverse events occurred most frequently when 5-FU was given at a dose of 2,300 mg/m2 with a high incidence of grade 3-4 diarrhea (72.2%) and stomatitis (16.6%), and led to dose reduction of 5-FU in 13 of 18 patients (72.2%). For 22 patients who started 5-FU at a dose of 1,800 mg/m2, a dose reduction of 5-FU was necessary only 5 times (22.7%). No patient discontinued treatment because of severe neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The activity of our alternating regimen of L-OHP/LV/5-FU 48 h and CPT-11 for not previously treated ACC patients is counterbalanced by a high toxicity and a inconvenient schedule.