Outcome Analysis of Cisplatin-5 Flurouracil and Weekly 5-Flurouracil in Advanced Gastric Cancer.

Advanced Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Background: Advanced gastric cancer patients has poor survival rate of < 20% at 5 years. We intended to evaluate the outcomes of Cisplatin and 5-Flurouracil combination chemotherapy or 5 FU alone in this setting. Objectives: In this study we analyzed the outcomes such as response rate, progression free survival (PFS) at 6 months, and toxicity profiles of 3 weekly Cisplatin and 5-Flurouracil (PF) regimen and Weekly 5-Flurouracil (5-FU) therapy in advanced gastric cancer. Subjects and Methods: The outcomes of the chemotherapeutic regimens such as intravenous infusion of Cisplatin 75mg/m2 in divided doses and 5-Flurouracil 750mg/m2 for consecutive 3 days every 21 days (Group A) and intravenous infusion of 5-Flurouracil 500mg flat dose every week for 16 weeks (Group B) in stage III/IV gastric cancer were analyzed. Baseline parameters were obtained. Results: Twenty patients for both PF and weekly 5-FU regimens were recruited. The Overall response rate of Group A and B regimen was 40% and 20% respectively.  PFS at the end 6 months was 60% and 35% respectively. Median time to progression was 5 months in group A and 3.6 months in group B.  Hematological toxicity and Non hematological toxicity rates were in the acceptable range in Group A. Conclusion: Three weekly Cisplatin and 5-Flurouracil could be a good regimen when the performance status of the patient is good. Weekly 5-Flurouracil gives good quality of life and this regimen can be considered when the patient is not eligible for Cisplatin and 5-Flurouracil regimen in advanced gastric cancers.