Treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma patients with calcium folinate, a 5-fluorouracil bolus and continous infusion with 5-fluorouracil combined with oxaliplatin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To examine the therapeutic effects and toxicity of high-dose-folinic acid plus a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) bolus and continuous infusion with 5-FU combined with locally produced oxaliplatin (L-HOP)in treating advanced gastric carcinoma patients. METHODS Sixty-fi ve patients with advanced gastric carcinoma were treated with high-dose-folinic acid plus a 5-FU bolus and a 48-h continuous infusion of 5-FU combined with oxaliplatin. The eff ects of treatment and toxicity were observed. RESULTS There were 4 complete responses, 26 partial responses, 30 with no change and 5 with progressive disease. The overall effective response rate was 46.2% (30/65). The median duration was 7 months, with the main side effects including nausea and vomiting, peripheral phlebitis, alopecia, leukopenia, dental ulcers, peripheral neuritis and diarrhea. All the side eff ects were tolerated and minimal. CONCLUSION The results showed that high-dose folinic acid plus a 5-FU bolus and continuous infusion of 5-FU combined with oxaliplatin appears to be a safe and eff ective therapy for patients with advanced gastric carcinoma. This therapeutic regimen is of value for these patients.KEY WORDS: advanced gastric carinoma, calcium folinate, 5-fl uorouracil, oxaliplatin, chemotherapy.