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.
Tran Vuong
T N
TN
Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Eugene Marquis, Rennes Cedex, France.
Le Prisé
E
E
Vauléon
E
E
Boucher
E
E
Audrain
O
O
Raoul
J-L
JL
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