High-dose folinic acid (HDFA) combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in first line chemotherapy of advanced large bowel cancer.

Abstract

The therapeutic activity of 5-FU in large bowel cancer is enhanced by increasing the intracellular pool of reduced folates. We treated 45 patients with advanced colon cancer with HDFA and 5-FU for 5 consecutive days. None had been given previous radio- or chemotherapy. All had measurable disease. Not one complete response was observed. Thirteen of the 39 evaluable patients showed partial response. Median duration of response was 9+ months. The probability of 50% survival was 15 months for all evaluable patients. There was no case of severe toxicity and the principal toxic effects were oral mucositis and diarrhea. To date, HDFA + 5-FU is one of the most effective treatments for large bowel cancer.

• Authors: C Barone, A Astone, C Garufi, A Grieco, A Cavallaro, G Netri, S Rossi, A Cassano, E Ricevuto, M R Noviello
• Journal: European journal of cancer & clinical oncology (Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol) Vol. 23 Issue 9 Pg. 1303-6 (Sep 1987) ISSN: 0277-5379 [Print] England
• PMID: 3500048 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Leucovorin
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Colonic Neoplasms (drug therapy, mortality)
• Diarrhea (chemically induced)
• Female
• Fluorouracil (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Leucovorin (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Liver Neoplasms (secondary)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Mucosa
• Rectal Neoplasms (drug therapy, mortality)
• Stomatitis (chemically induced)