Phase II study of short-time oxaliplatin, capecitabine and epirubicin (EXE) as first-line therapy in patients with non-resectable gastric cancer
2008

Short-time therapy for advanced gastric cancer

Sample size: 54 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Schønnemann K R, Jensen H A, Yilmaz M, Jensen B V, Larsen O, Pfeiffer P

Primary Institution: Odense University Hospital

Hypothesis

Can a combination of oxaliplatin, capecitabine, and epirubicin be an effective first-line therapy for patients with non-resectable gastric cancer?

Conclusion

The study found that the combination therapy is convenient and can be administered in an outpatient setting, but further evaluation in a phase III study is needed.

Supporting Evidence

  • The overall response rate was 45%, with a median progression-free survival of 6.8 months.
  • Median overall survival was 10.1 months.
  • Most patients experienced manageable side effects, with no grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy.

Takeaway

Doctors tested a new treatment for stomach cancer that combines three medicines. It worked pretty well and was easy for patients to get.

Methodology

Patients received a combination of epirubicin, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin every three weeks for a maximum of eight cycles.

Limitations

The study was limited by its small sample size and the need for further evaluation in a larger phase III study.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 59 years, with a range of 31 to 74 years; 83% had metastatic disease.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

5.2–7.9 months for PFS; 7.9–11.1 months for OS

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604569

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