Oxaliplatin, 5Fluorouracil and Leucovorin (FOLFOX4) as First Line Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is considered the fourth most common cancer and second most common cause of cancerrelated mortalities worldwide. Gastric cancer develops more frequently among elderly. The oxaliplatin/5FU/leucovorin (FOLFOX) regimen has shown a notable activity against gastric cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the responses and complications of FOLFOX4 regimen as first line chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

From October 2014 to November 2015, a total of 21 patients with metastatic or local AGC (advanced gastric cancer) were analyzed. All patients were administered a FOLFOX4 regimen consisting of a 2h infusion of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 (day 1), continuous infusion of 1000mg/ m2 5Fu in 24h., and leucovorin 200 mg/m2 in 2h infusion as a firstline chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients were assessable for efficacy and toxicity. One of 18 patients achieved a complete response, and 12 had partial responses, giving an overall response rate of 72.6%. Three (16%) patients demonstrated stable disease and 2 (12%) progression. The median progression free survival was 7.3 months, and the median overall survival was 11.9 months. One patient had grade 3 neuropathy. No other grade 3 or 4 NCICTC were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The FOLFOX4 regimen used in our study was both active and acceptable for AGC in elderly patients as neoadjuvant and main therapy.