Induction cisplatin, paclitaxel, and 5FU (PTF) before definitive local therapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Abstract

115 Background: Induction chemotherapy for locally advanced oesophageal SCC is controversial. Triple combination is under study with promising results. We analyse induction therapy with PTF before local definitive therapy in terms of response, resectability, toxicity and survival. Methods: Pts diagnosed of locally advanced oesophageal SCC have been included. Treatment schedule: paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and CDDP 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5FU 800 mg/m2/day days 1-4, every 28 days. After 2-3 cycles surgery is considered. If unresectable, radical radiotherapy (64 Gy) and concomitant carboplatin (60 mg/m2, d 1–5 during 1st, 4th and, if feasible, 7th week of RT) are administered. Results: From May-02 to Feb-10 48 pts have been treated (44M, 4F). Age: 56,7 (32–70). PS 0-1: 8-40. Location: Upper: 14, Middle: 25, Distal: 8, Whole: 1. T2/3/4:1/26/21, N0/1: 12/36. M1a: 6. Weight loss over 10 kg: 11 pts. Cycles delivered: 140; median 3. Toxicity (episodes): Anemia 3: 1. Emesis 3: 2. Mucositis 3: 2. Asthenia 2-3: 8. Two pts died in remission (one of them with a pCR at necropsy) due to gastrostomy complications and oesophagus-tracheal fistula, treatment related. Two pts developed oesophagus-tracheal fistula as a late event after response to therapy. Response rates: CR 7 (14.6%), PR 16 (33.3%), SD 18 (37.5%), PD 7 (14.6%). Treatment after PTF: Surgery 14 pts (1 upper, 9 middle, 4 distal). One (distal) unresectable at surgery, one (middle) not resected because of liver cirrhosis, two not resected because of liver metastases, unexpected findings at surgery. pCR: 2. pPR 8 (R0: 7, R1: 1). Chemoradiation: 25, improving 2 SD to PR, 4 PR to CR and 3 SD to CR. One PR and 4 SD progressed immediately after chemoradiation. Progression: 33 (local 14, systemic 11, both 8); died: 34. Median progression free survival: 35.7 weeks (95% CI 30.2-41.2). Median overall survival: 50.7 weeks (95% CI 35.2-66.1). Conclusions: Induction PTF has a good toxicity profile with a high response rate and disease control during therapy. Surgical rescue is possible in middle and distal tumours. Local definitive therapy with chemoradiation is the best approach for unresectable or upper third tumours. No significant financial relationships to disclose.