Clinical observation of weekly paclitaxel combined with LFP for treating advanced esophageal carcinoma

Objective:To evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of weekly Paclitaxel(PTX) combined with 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU), DDP and CF as alternative chemotherapy for patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma.Methods:Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Each was treated as following: PTX 80mg/m2 infusion per week for two weeks; DDP 80mg/m2 infusion on days 1～3 or days 1～5; 5-FU 500mg/m2/d infusion on days 1～5; CF 100mg/d infusion 2 hours before 5-FU infusion on days 1～5. After 2 consecutive treatment course, each for 21days, evaluation of the short-term efficacy and adverse effects was carried out.Results:The overall response rate was 62.5%. The response rates of 22 patients in primary treatment was 68.2%( 3 cases CR) and that of relapse treatment was 50%(1 case CR). The dose-limited toxicity was mild and mainly expressed as bone marrow depression(grade Ⅱ～Ⅲ).Conclusion:Weekly Paclitaxel(PTX) combined with 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU), DDP and CF as alternative chemotherapy is encouraging for patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma.