Double biochemical modulation of 5-fluorouracil by leucovorin and cyclic low dose interferon alpha 2b in advanced colorectal cancer patients.
Because of the different sites and mechanisms of biochemical interaction among 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (LV) and interferon (IFN), we hypothesized that the concomitant use of IFN could increase the activity of the 5-FU/LV combination in colorectal cancer patients. Forty-five patients were included in the study and all were evaluable for response and toxicity. They were treated with 5-FU 370 mg/sqm i.v. d 2-6; LV 200 mg/sqm i.v. d 2-6; IFN alpha 2b 3 million U im d 1-7 every 21 days. Six patients achieved complete responses, 17 partial responses, 14 had stable disease and 8 progressed on therapy for an overall response rate of 51%. Median survival has not been reached. At a median follow-up of 14 months 33 of 45 patients remain alive. Nine patients experienced toxicity grade 3 (6 diarrhea and 3 stomatitis). Our results seem to suggest that IFN could increase 5-FU/LV activity and that this combination is well tolerated.
Cascinu
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Servizio di Oncologia, Ospedali Riuniti, Pesaro, Italy.
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D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil