Mitomycin-C and capecitabine as salvage chemotherapy in pre-treated patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Abstract

14595 Background: To assess the activity and tolerability of the combination of Mitomycin C and Capecitabine in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), folinic acid and oxaliplatin-containing regimens. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with pre-treated advanced colorectal cancer. At the time of their relapse or progression, cytotoxic chemotherapy, consisting of intravenous mitomycin C, 6 mg/m2 on day 1, and capecitabine, 1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–14, was initiated. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. Tumor assessment was performed every 3 cycles, toxicity assessed at each cycle. Results: Main patient characteristics were median age 63 years (range, 45–73); male/female ratio, 19/12. One hundred forty- six courses of therapy were given (median number, 3; range, 2–9). All patients were assessable for response, and all were assessable for toxicity. Fourteen patients had stable disease (45%). Median time to progression was 3 months (range, 1–10) and median overall survival was 8 months (range, 3–28). The regimen was very well tolerated without significant toxicity. Grade 2 toxicities were palmar-plantar erythema 6%, hematological 35%. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the combination of Mitomycin C and Capecitabine in pre-treated patients with advanced colorectal cancer is safe and effective with an acceptable toxicity profile and a convenient administration schedule. However, further evaluation of other salvage regimens seems to be warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.