5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), methyl-CCNU, and vincristine in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: phase II study utilizing weekly 5-FU.

We report a phase II trial of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), methyl-CCNU, and vincristine (FMV) combination chemotherapy in advanced colorectal carcinoma. Ten of 25 patients (40%) achieved an objective tumor regression after treatment with FMV chemotherapy. The main toxicities of FMV were hematologic and gastrointestinal. 5-FU was administered in a weekly rather than a loading-dose schedule which allowed for sensitive adjustment of drug dosages according to hematologic toxicity; only 16% of the patients (four of 25) had a wbc count less than 2000 cells/mm3. FMV is significantly more active than 5-FU alone in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer; however this regimen does not significantly improve survival in responding patients.