Docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil and nedaplatin as second-line chemotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy: A pilot study

Abstract

14140 Background: We investigated the combination of docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and cisplatin analog, nedaplatin (CDGP) as second-line chemotherapy after esophagectomy. Methods: Eight patients with recurrent esophageal cancer who had undergone adjuvant 5FU/cisplatin after esophagectomy were included this study (7 male, 1 female; median ECOG performance status: 1). Histologic type of all esophageal cancer was squamous cell carcinoma. Patients received docetaxel 60 mg/m2 on day 1, 5FU 600 mg/m2 on days 1–5, and CDGP60 mg/m2 on day 4 every 3 weeks. A total of 17 chemotherapy cycles was administered. The median number of cycles was 2 (range 1–5). Results: The overall response rate was 62.5%. The median overall survival was 42 weeks, and the median progression-free survival was 26 weeks. Hematological and non-hematological toxicities were moderate (neutropenia WHO grade III/IV: 62.5%, alopecia grade II/III: 75%, nausea/vomiting grade II/III: 50%, neurotoxicity grade II: 12.5%). Conclusions: The combination of docetaxel, 5FU and CDGP is an active regimen with moderate toxicity in the treatment of patients with recurrent esophageal cancer. This pilot study suggests the feasibility of a combination treatment containing a taxan, 5FU and cisplatin or its analog in esophageal squmaous cell carcinoma. No significant financial relationships to disclose.