Irinotecan and paclitaxel in metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia.

Both irinotecan (CPT-11, Camptosar) and paclitaxel have been shown to have single-agent activity in adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and gastric cardia. A phase I trial of the combination at UCLA established the dose as irinotecan at 225 mg/m2 and paclitaxel at 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Preliminary data from a phase II trial of this regimen in adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal junction show good tolerability and promising activity (response rate of 27%), even in previously treated patients.