Adjuvant therapy with raltitrexed in patients with colorectal cancer intolerant of 5-fluorouracil: British Columbia Cancer Agency experience.
BACKGROUND
Severe 5-FU toxicity in adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer may require change of therapy. We retrospectively explored the safety and efficacy of adjuvant raltitrexed in patients intolerant of 5-FU.


METHODS
Over a 5 year period, patients who received 5-FU and subsequent raltitrexed therapy were identified.


RESULTS
There were 44 patients, (39 stage III). Median number of prior 5-FU cycles was 2. Three year relapse free and overall survival proportions for stage III patients were 70.8% and 83.6%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Raltitrexed adjuvant therapy can be given safely and effectively in patients where further 5-FU is contraindicated.
Wilson
Kenneth S
KS
Gastro-Intestinal Tumor Group, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver Island Centre, Victoria, British Columbia. KWilson@bccancer.bc.ca
Fitzgerald
Catherine A
CA
Barnett
Jeff B
JB
Gill
Sharlene
S
Khoo
Kong E
KE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D054067:Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D011799:Quinazolines; D013876:Thiophenes; C068874:raltitrexed; D005472:Fluorouracil