Chemoradiotherapy for cancer of the esophagus: contribution of the leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil bolus, and infusion-cisplatin-radiotherapy schedule starting with two neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles: results from a pilot study.
To assess feasibility and tolerance of a modification in the usual radiochemotherapy regimen for esophageal cancer by using a leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil bolus, and infusion-cisplatin regimen (six cycles), beginning with two cycles of chemotherapy before conventional radiotherapy (50 Gy), 33 patients, 30 were men, 62.8 +/- 9.5 years, were treated for an esophageal carcinoma (29 squamous cell), 27 of these were in stage III (based on computed tomography scan). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated; concomitant radiochemotherapy was associated with severe adverse events mostly hematological in 23 patients. Complete response was achieved in 70%; median overall survival was 14 months, and 2-year survival was 40 +/- 11%. More than one-third of cycles could be performed as outpatients. This regimen seems safe and efficient, and could be conducted in an outpatient basis.
Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Eugene Marquis, Rennes Cedex, France.
T N
TN
Tran Vuong
E
E
Le Prisé
E
E
Vauléon
E
E
Boucher
O
O
Audrain
J-L
JL
Raoul
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D002945:Cisplatin; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil