Phase II study of weekly paclitaxel and capecitabine in patients with metastatic or recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
2011

Study of Paclitaxel and Capecitabine for Esophageal Cancer

Sample size: 32 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yun Tak, Han Ji-Youn, Lee Jin Soo, Choi Hyun Lee, Kim Hyae Young, Nam Byung-Ho, Kim Heung Tae

Primary Institution: National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea

Hypothesis

The combination of weekly paclitaxel and capecitabine will be effective in treating patients with metastatic or recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Weekly paclitaxel and capecitabine is a highly active and well-tolerated regimen in patients with metastatic or recurrent SCCE.

Supporting Evidence

  • The overall response rate was 56.3%, with 75% in first-line and 45% in second-line treatments.
  • Median overall survival was 11.7 months for all patients.
  • Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 53.3% of patients.

Takeaway

This study tested a new medicine combination for patients with a type of esophagus cancer, and it worked well for many of them.

Methodology

Patients were treated with paclitaxel and capecitabine in cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Limitations

The small sample size and the lack of a control group limit the conclusions that can be drawn.

Participant Demographics

All participants were male, with a median age of 60.5 years.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 50.5 to 99.5 for first-line and 95% CI, 23.2 to 66.8 for second-line response rates.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-385

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