Oxaliplatin and UFT, leucovorin combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Background : UFT/oral leucovorin (LV) provided a safer, more convenient oral alternative to bolus i.v. 5-Fluorouracil/LV regimen for advanced colorectal cancer while producing equivalent survival. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of oxaliplatin and UFT/LV in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Methods : From January 1999 to December 2001, a total 28 patient with metastatic or relapsed colorectal cancer were enrolled in this study. Treatment was consisted of oxaliplatin 130 mg/ i.v. for 2 hours on day 1, and UFT 300 mg/ p.o. and LV 30 mg p.o. on day 1-21. Chemotherapy repeated every three weeks until disease progression. Results : Of the 28 patients, 1 complete response and 10 partial responses were observed. The overall response rate was 39.3%. The estimated median time to progression and survival were 6.0 months and 18.2 months, respectively. Peripheral neuropathy was the most common adverse effect. But, peripheral neuropathy was mild (grade 1, 2) and reversible. From the 129 cycles analyzed, grade 3, 4 adverse effects were observed only 3% included neutropenia (1.5%), and thrombocytopenia (1.5%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion : This combination of oxaliplatin and UFT/oral leucovorin is active and feasible in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The regimen deserve further evaluation in a phase III prospective study.