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A fixed‐ratio combination of uracil and ftorafur (UFT) with low dose leucovorin. An active oral regimen for advanced colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Saltz Leonard B.,
Leichman Cynthia G.,
Young Charles W.,
Muggia Franco M.,
Conti John A.,
Spiess Tara,
Jeffers Susan,
Leichman Lawrence P.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19950201)75:3<782::aid-cncr2820750306>3.0.co;2-i
Subject(s) - medicine , mucositis , regimen , gastroenterology , toxicity , colorectal cancer , fluorouracil , population , diarrhea , capecitabine , chemotherapy , cancer , pharmacology , environmental health
Background . UFT is a fixed‐ratio combination of uracil and Ftorafur, a prodrug that is absorbed orally and metabolized in vivo to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). Uracil potentiates 5‐FU through interference with its catabolism. The combination of UFT and leucovorin in patients with advanced incurable colorectal cancer, to evaluate preliminary activity and toxicity in this patient population. Methods . Twenty‐one patients were treated. Twenty patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. Patients received UFT 350 mg/m 2 /day divided every 8 hours. Patients took a 5 mg tablet of leucovorin every 8 hours, concurrent with each UFT dose. Treatment was continued for 28 consecutive days, followed by a 7‐day rest. Results . Five major objective responses (one complete and four partial) were observed. Toxicity was mild, with no dose‐limiting myelosuppression. Four patients experienced grade 3 diarrhea or higher, and two patients experienced dose‐limiting mucositis. Conclusion . UFT and low dose leucovorin is a well tolerated, orally administered regimen with activity in colorectal cancer. A randomized comparison of this regimen with conventional parenteral regimens is warranted. Cancer 1995;75:782‐5.