title: 5-FU infusion in advanced colorectal cancer: a comparison of three dose schedules.
abstract: Ninety-four patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma were treated by continuous iv 5-FU infusion on three different dose schedules. Thirty-three patients received a 72-hour infusion of 5-FU (30 mg/kg/24 hours) every 3 weeks (Group A); 31 received a 72-hour infusion of 5-FU (30 mg/kg/24 hours) every 2 weeks (Group B); and 30 received a 48-hour infusion of 5-FU (30 mg/kg/24 hours) every week (Group C). Although this was a sequential nonrandomized study of the dose schedules, the groups were comparable with respect to various prognostic factors. Response rates were as follows: Group A--three patients had minor response (9%) and 30 had no response (91%); Group B--five patients achieved partial response (16%), nine had minor response (29%), and 17 had no response (55%), and Group C--one patient achieved complete response (3%), eight achieved partial response (27%), five had minor response (17%), and 16 had no response (53%). The median survival time for Group A was 9 months, for Group B was 9.5 months, and for Group C was 14 months. Intensifying the dose schedule of 5-FU by increasing the frequency of administration has significantly improved response rates. A prolongation of the median survival time of patients treated with a 48-hour infusion at 1-week intervals was noted, although this was not statistically significant.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D005472:Fluorouracil