Irinotecan combined with infusional 5-fluorouracil and high-dose leucovorin for the treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma as the first-line chemotherapy


Yilmaz U., Oztop İ., Alacacioglu A., Yaren A., Tarhan O., Somali I.

CHEMOTHERAPY, vol.52, no.5, pp.264-270, 2006 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 52 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000094769
  • Journal Name: CHEMOTHERAPY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.264-270
  • Keywords: advanced gastric carcinoma, FOLFIRI regimen
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Because of insufficient activity and high toxicity of current chemotherapy regimens in advanced gastric cancer (AGC), there is a need for newer regimens. Methods: Twenty-five chemonaive patients with AGC have been treated with FOLFIRI regimen consisting of irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) over 30 min on day 1 combined with leucovorin 200 mg/m(2) over 2 h followed by 5-fluorouracil 400 mg/m(2) as bolus and 600 mg/m(2) as a 22-hour infusion on day 1 and 2. The treatment was administered every 14th day until progression or intolerable toxicity. Results: Twenty-five patients (17 male, 8 female; 22 patients with PS 0-1 and 3 patients with PS 2), median age 54 (range 25-77), received a total of 230 courses of chemotherapy (median 9; range 1-18). Objective responses were observed in 9 patients (36%), all being partial. Median progression-free survival, 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 8.6 months, 28.4% and 15.3%, respectively. Median overall survival, 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 11.6 months, 48.0% and 17.8%, respectively. As serious adverse events, grade 3-4 neutropenia was observed in 5 patients (20.0%), grade 3 diarrhea in 4 patients (16.0%). No treatment-related death occurred. Conclusion: FOLFIRI regimen is an active regimen with acceptable toxicity for the treatment of AGC. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.