title: Long-term ambulatory treatment of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma by continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil.
abstract: To delineate the efficacy of continuous intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion therapy for advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma, a study of 36 patients with measurable metastatic disease was conducted. Patients received a daily intravenous infusion of 300 mg/m2 5-FU over a 24-h period utilizing portable infusion devices and central venous catheters. In a population characterized by substantial pretreatment exposure to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other indicators of poor prognosis, 13/36 (36%) patients achieved an objective response. An additional 10/36 (28%) patients manifested stable disease (no change) and experienced survival comparable to that of patients with objective response. Toxicity was minimal; patients were able to continue 5-FU infusions 95% of the total time on protocol. There were no adverse hematologic effects or catheter complications. Because previously untreated patients benefited more frequently (positive response, 50%), continuous intravenous infusion should be evaluated further as a primary modality option when 5-fluorouracil antitumor chemotherapy is contemplated.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary
chemical_list: D005472:Fluorouracil