title: Sequential 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with advanced symptomatic gastrointestinal cancer.
abstract: 50 patients with advanced symptomatic gastrointestinal cancer were treated with sequential 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin. Patients received an intravenous bolus injection of 5-FU (500 or 600 mg/m2) and leucovorin 30-40 min later, either 50 mg (41 patients) or 200 mg (9 patients). Treatment was given in repeated courses either once weekly or on 2 consecutive days every other week until progression. Toxicity was mild with the lower leucovorin dose, although grade 2 toxicity, particularly diarrhoea, occurred in 27 (66%) patients. All patients receiving the higher leucovorin dose had grade 2-4 toxicity. Toxicity was less with the lower 5-FU dose. Out of 40 patients with colorectal cancer, 34 received leucovorin 50 mg and 6 received 200 mg. Partial response occurred in 10 (29%) and 1 of these patients, respectively. This sequential 5-FU and intermediate-dose leucovorin regimen has acceptable toxicity and a definite anti-tumour activity.
authors: Department of Surgery, Ostra sjukhuset, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Carlsson
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Graf
authors: B G
authors: BG
authors: Gustavsson
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Glimelius
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Påhlman
authors: P C
authors: PC
authors: Spears
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil