Oxaliplatin plus raltitrexed and leucovorin-modulated 5-fluorouracil i.v. bolus: a salvage regimen for colorectal cancer patients
2002

New Treatment for Colorectal Cancer Patients

Sample size: 50 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Comella P, Casaretti R, Crucitta E, De Vita F, Palmeri S, Avallone A, Orditura M, De Lucia L, Del Prete S, Catalano G, Lorusso V, Comella G

Primary Institution: National Tumour Institute, Naples, Italy

Hypothesis

The study aims to define the activity and tolerability of a triplet regimen including oxaliplatin, raltitrexed, and leucovorin-modulated 5-fluorouracil in pretreated colorectal cancer patients.

Conclusion

The triplet regimen was manageable and active as a salvage treatment for advanced colorectal cancer patients, showing a significant delay in disease progression for many treated patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Three complete responses and nine partial responses were observed, resulting in a 24% major response rate.
  • Overall control of tumor growth was achieved in 60% of patients.
  • Median progression-free survival was 7.6 months, and median survival time was 13.6 months.

Takeaway

Doctors tested a new combination of medicines to help people with advanced colon cancer, and it worked for some patients by slowing down the disease.

Methodology

Patients received a biweekly regimen of oxaliplatin and raltitrexed followed by leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil, with evaluations of response and toxicity.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the study being conducted at a single institution and the lack of a control group.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and was limited to patients who had already been treated with other therapies.

Participant Demographics

The study included 50 patients, with 26 males and 24 females, median age of 63 years, and varying performance statuses.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% confidence interval, 13–38%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600414

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