Bi-weekly Chemotherapy of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin in Patients with Metastatic or Recurrent Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Although various combinations of chemotherapy regimens have been tried for patients with esophageal cancer, their duration of survival is extremely poor. In this study, we investigated the safety and clinical efficacy of paclitaxel and cisplatin chemotherapy in metastatic or recurrent esophageal cancer. 32 patients enrolled in this study and the median age was 60 yr. Of all the 32, 28 patients (88%) had been treated previously, 22 of them with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. All patients in the study received biweekly paclitaxel (90 mg/m2) followed by cisplatin (50 mg/m2). One patient (3%) responded completely, and 12 patients (38%) showed a partial response; in 9 patients (28%) the disease remained stable, and in 10 patients (31%) it progressed. The objective response rate was 41%. The median duration of response was 4.8 months, and the median overall survival in all patients was 7 months. The 1-yr and 2-yr survival rates were 28.1% and 7.1%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 of neutropenia and anemia were observed in 6 (19%) and 5 (16%) patients, respectively. The major non-hematologic toxicity was fatigue, but most of them could manageable. In conclusion, biweekly paclitaxel and cisplatin is effective in patients with metastatic or recurrent esophageal cancer.

Zytostatische Chemoptherapie beim Ösophagus Karzinom

“…Similar results were seen in a study by Ilson et al (RR 44%) and Polee et al (43%) with the same combination in advanced esophageal cancer as first line combination chemotherapy [43,44]. In a study by Cho et al 28 patients out of 32 (88%) had already been treated previously before they received biweekly paclitaxel (90 mg=m 2 ) followed by cisplatin (50 mg=m 2 ) [45]. The objective response rate was 41% with a median overall survival of 7 months.…”

Successful Treatment with Proton Beam Therapy Alone for Postoperative Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Liver and Lymph Node Metastases After Failure of First-Line Chemotherapy

“…Previous studies showed response rates of 12.5%-44.2% and median survival periods of 6-10.4 months. On the other hand, the median survival period of patients with ESCC for whom rst-line therapy failed is only 3 to 6 months if they do not receive chemotherapy (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Despite the fact that rst-line therapy in our patient with ESCC failed, we were able to control liver metastasis and lymph node metastases because of the high dose of PBT and the biological effective advantage of PBT compared to conventional X-ray therapy.…”