Efficacy and tolerability of biweekly bevacizumab, irinotecan, folinic acid and fluorouracil intravenous bolus (BIFF Regimen) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: the …

BackgroundWe have extensively assessed a biweekly regimen of irinotecan plus folinic acid and fluorouracil bolus (IRIFAFU) in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). Here, we report on the safety and activity of BIFF (bevacizumab plus IRIFAFU) regimen in 94 mCRC patients.Patients and MethodsBevacizumab 5 mg/kg (1 hour), and irinotecan 180 mg/m2 (1hour) were given intravenously on day 1, 6S-folinic acid 250 mg/m2 (2 hours), and fluorouracil 850 mg/m2 (bolus) were given intravenously on day 2 every 2 weeks for a median of 9 cycles per patient (range, 1-12), and maintenance bevacizumab alone was delivered in 16 cases.ResultsGrade ≥ 3 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (50%) and febrile neutropenia (5%). Most common grade 3 nonhematologic side effects were diarrhea (20%), vomiting (7%), nausea (4%), and stomatitis (4%). Severe hypertension (1%) and epistaxis (1%) rarely occurred. Six …