Abstract

The results of systemic chemotherapy for advanced stomach cancer are still disappointing despite of numerous studies which has been performed to develop better treatment regimens. Mitomycin C (MMC) is one of the most active agents against stomach cancer and leucovorin (LV) enhance cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This clinical phase II trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy with MMC and LV-modulated 5-FU (MLF). Thirty nine patients were entered into the trial. All patients had measurable lesion. The MLF reaimen consisted of 5-FU 375 mg/§³ IV days 1 through 5: LV 20 mg/§³ IV just before 5-FU infusion days 1 through 5; and MMC 9 mg/§³ IV day l (7mg/§³ from the 2nd cycle). Cycles were repeated every 4 weeks. There were 19 responses (48%) including 6 clinical complete responses. The median survival of all 39 patients was 40.4 weeks. There was minimal myelosuppression; grade 3-4 leucopenia or thrombocytopenia in 26% of cycles. Non-hematologic toxicities were also tolerable; grade 3 nausea or vomiting in 8% of patients. This phase II study showed that the MLF therepy is comparable in effect for advanced stomach cancer with minimal toxicities, deserving phase III study with other regimens.

• Keywords: Advanced stomach cancer, Combination chemotherapy, 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Mitomycin C