Abstract |
The combination of sequential high dose methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (FU) combined with epirubicin (FEMTX regimen) has shown some clinical efficiency as a first line therapy in advanced gastric cancer. We evaluated the therapeutic activity of this combination in advanced colorectal cancer patients who failed the FU + folinic acid regimen, and in advanced gastrointestinal cancer situation where no standard regimen is available. Twelve patients with measurable metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to first line (n = 6) or second line (n = 6) chemotherapy, as well as 9 patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer, entered this pragmatic pilot study. Eighty-six per cent and 38% of the patients experienced severe haematological or non-haematological toxicities, respectively. Four patients were not evaluable for response due to their early departure from the scheme due to acute toxic events (n = 3) or toxic death (n = 1). No objective response was observed, but 9 stabilisations and 8 progressive diseases were noted. The FEMTX regimen is not of clinical value as a salvage therapy in colorectal and gastrointestinal cancer, because of its toxicity and its lack of efficacy.
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Authors | A Adenis, N Leriche, J M Pion, L Vanlemmens, J Bonneterre |
Journal | Anticancer research
(Anticancer Res)
1996 Jul-Aug
Vol. 16
Issue 4A
Pg. 2063-7
ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece |
PMID | 8712743
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Epirubicin
- Leucovorin
- Fluorouracil
- Methotrexate
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Colorectal Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Epirubicin
(administration & dosage)
- Esophageal Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Female
- Fluorouracil
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Leucovorin
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Methotrexate
(administration & dosage)
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Neoplasm Staging
- Palliative Care
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Pilot Projects
- Salvage Therapy
- Treatment Failure
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