The Need for a New Fluoropyrimidine in Advanced Gastric Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Fluoropyrimidines have shown efficacy against a variety of cancers and have evolved into a range of different uses and formulations. These drugs have been tested extensively as monotherapies and as part of numerous different chemotherapy combinations. The efficacy and safety profile of bolus intravenous (IV) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been improved by continuous IV administration. The availability of the first 5-FU oral form in Europe, capecitabine, has added a clear value in terms of convenience for patients, while forcing physicians and nurses to learn how to manage the toxicity profile of this compound. S-1 is a new oral formulation combining a 5-FU prodrug (tegafur) and two targeted modulators of its metabolism (gimeracil and oteracil) preserving the efficacy and improving the safety of the prodrug. S-1 has become the backbone treatment for advanced gastric cancer in Japan since its introduction in 1999. Extensive experience from clinical trials, post-marketing studies and patient registries of over 4,000 patients in Japan show that S-1 has improved measures of survival in advanced gastric cancer and has an acceptable safety profile. S-1 has recently been approved for advanced gastric cancer treatment Following the recent approval of S-1 for use in Western populations after more than 10 years of extensive experience in Japan, the history of the fluoropyrimidines in advanced gastric cancer will be considered, and evidence supporting the use of S-1 from early phases to more recent clinical studies will be reviewed.