5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or esophago-gastric junction area. Rotterdam Esophageal Tumor Study Group.
BACKGROUND
The results of chemotherapy against gastric cancer or esophageal squamous cell carcinomas cannot be generalized to adenocarcinomas of the esophagus. Therefore the combination of 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid was studied in esophageal adenocarcinoma.


METHODS
After a loading dose of 4 x 90 mg folinic acid orally, a continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/sqm/day for 5 days with concommitant folinic acid 6 x 60 mg/day orally, was administered to 29 consecutive patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction area.


RESULTS
This schedule was tolerated well with mild mucositis and diarrhea. In one patient reversible cardiotoxicity was seen. Five patients obtained a partial remission (19%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6%-38%), and 8 patients stable disease. One early death.


CONCLUSIONS
This combination has modest activity against adenocarcinoma of the esophagus; its toxicity profile permits incorporation in combination protocols.
Kok
T C
TC
Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Rotterdam/ Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
van der Gaast
A
A
Splinter
T A
TA
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000931:Antidotes; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil