title: Etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin (EAP) treatment in advanced gastric carcinoma: a multicentre study of the Italian Trials in Medical Oncology (I.T.M.O.) Group.
abstract: Various reports have documented the efficacy of the combination of etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin (EAP) in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, although other studies have not confirmed such results. This multicentre phase II study was designed to try to define the efficacy and tolerability of the original EAP regimen. From January 1990 to May 1992, 96 patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer were treated every 3 weeks with etoposide (120 mg/m2) on days 4, 5 and 6, doxorubicin (20 mg/m2) on days 1 and 7, and cisplatin (40 mg/m2) on days 2 and 8. All of the patients had measurable lesions, and were to receive a maximum of six cycles. A total of 416 courses was given (median four/patient), 27% with a delay of > or = 2 weeks. Objective responses were achieved in 34 of the 91 evaluable patients (37%: confidence interval 27-47%), with complete response (CR) in 11 (12%) and partial response (PR) in 23 (25%). The median duration of response was 6 months (range 1-19), and the median survival of the 96 eligible patients was 9 months. Side-effects (WHO grade 3-4) were leucopenia (30%), thrombocytopenia (9%) and mucositis (10%). We conclude that the EAP regimen is active in inducing major objective responses (12% of CR), and that treatment is feasible in patients with good performance status.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bajetta
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Bartolomeo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Braud
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bozzetti
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bochicchio
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Comella
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fagnani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Farina
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferroni
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Franchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D005047:Etoposide; D004317:Doxorubicin; D002945:Cisplatin