Phase II study of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and 5-FU combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer

Abstract

15052 Background: Taxane has been used widely in advanced gastric cancer, but toxicities are problematic. To avoid the bone marrow suppression, docetaxel could be replaced paclitaxel to reduce bone marrow suppression and to improve the efficacy, we planned to augmentation of the dose intensity. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in advanced gastric cancer. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma, ECOG PS = 2, at least one measurable lesion and adequate organ functions were eligible. Paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2) were given as a 1-h intravenous infusion on day 1, followed by 5-FU (750 mg/m2) as a 24-h continuous infusion for 5 days. This cycle was repeated every 3 weeks. Results: Forty-five eligible patients (median age 56 years) were treated in this way. Of the 41 patients in whom efficacy was evaluable, an objective response rate (ORR) was seen in 20 (48.8%), a complete response in two, and a partial response in 18 patients. The median time to progression was 6.9 months (95% CI, 5.86–7.94), and the median overall survival was 13.1 months (95% CI, 8.83–17.37). The main hematological toxicity was neutropenia and greater than grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 67 cycles (25%). Febrile neutropenia developed in three patients (7.3%). The major non-hematological toxicities were asthenia and peripheral neuropathy, but grade 3 or 4 toxicity was not seen. Conclusions: The combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, cisplatin, and 5-FU is a promising regimen, and was well tolerated in patients with advanced gastric cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.