Semimonthly eloxatin combined with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in treatment of advancedcolorectal cancer: a report of 46 cases

OBJECTIVE:To evalute the efficacy and the toxicity of eloxatin (L-OHP) combined with semimonthly 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACRC). METHODS: Forty-six patients with ACRC proved pathologically were enrolled into this study. The chemotherapy regimen was comprised of L-OHP 85 mg/m~2 iv. in a 2-hour infusion followed by 2-hour infusion of LV 200 mg/m~2 then 10-minute intravenous bolus of 5-FU 500 mg, then 46-hour infusion of 5-FU 3.0 g/m~2 using an ambulatory pump. The regimen was given per 14 days. One cycle consisted of twice chemotherapy regimens. All enrolled patients received at least two cycles of the treatment. RESULTS: Forty-six cases were evaluable for efficacy: CR 6 cases, PR 16 cases, NC 18 cases, PD 6 cases. The overall response rate (CR+PR) was 47.8%. The main side effects were neurosensory toxicity, mucositis, nausea and vomiting, bone marrow suppression and diarrbea. CONCLUSIONS: Semimonthly L-OHP combined with 5-FU/LV is a safe and effective therepy for patients with ACRC.