ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
advanced gastric cancer
;
mitomycin C
;
oral etoposide
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: Mitomycin C and etoposide have both demonstrated activityagainst gastric carcinoma. Etoposide is a topoisomerase II inhibitor withevidence for phase-specific and schedule-dependent activity. Patients and method: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with advancedupper gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma were treated with intravenous (i.v.)bolus mitomycin C 6 mg/m2 on day 1 every 21 days to a maximumof four courses. Oral etoposide capsules 50 mg b.i.d. (or 35 mg b.i.d. liquid)were administered days 1 to 10 extending to 14 days in subsequent courses ifabsolute neutrophil count 〉1.5 × 109/l on day 14 offirst course, for up to six courses. Results: Twenty-six patients were assessed for response of whom 12had measurable disease and 14 evaluable disease. Four patients had adocumented response (one complete remission, three partial remissions) withan objective response rate of 15% (95% confidence interval(95% CI) 4%–35%). Eight patients had stable diseaseand 14 progressive disease. The median survival was six months. The schedulewas well tolerated with no treatment-related deaths. Nine patients experiencedleucopenia (seven grade II and two grade III). Nausea and vomiting (eightgrade II, one grade III), fatigue (eight grade II, two grade III) and anaemia(seven grade II, two grade III) were the predominant toxicities. Conclusion: This out-patient schedule is well tolerated and showsmodest activity in the treatment of advanced upper gastrointestinaladenocarcinoma. Further studies using protracted schedules of etoposide bothorally and as infusional treatment should be developed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008295926603
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