A phase I study of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine in patients with metastatic gastroesophageal cancer.

OBJECTIVES

Docetaxel, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin are important new agents in esophagogastric cancer. The Brown University Oncology Group initiated a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of weekly docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine.

METHODS

Patients with metastatic esophageal and gastric cancers received docetaxel and oxaliplatin on days 1 and 8 and capecitabine in divided doses, twice daily, on days 1 to 10, with each cycle repeated every 21 days. Patients were enrolled in cohorts of 3 at escalating dose levels. The docetaxel dose ranged from 30 to 35 mg/m2, the oxaliplatin dose from 40 to 50 mg/m2, and the capecitabine dose from 750 to 850 mg/m2 BID.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were enrolled over 4 dose levels. The median age was 59 years. Eight patients had esophageal cancer and 9 had gastric cancer. Grade 3/4 dose-limiting toxicities of diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and febrile neutropenia occurred in 3 of 4 patients at dose level 3. An intermediate dose level was added (2A), reducing the capecitabine dose to 750 mg/m2. One of 6 patients had a dose-limiting toxicity at level 2A.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 and docetaxel 30 mg/m2 day 1 and 8 with capecitabine 750 mg/m2 BID for 10 days in 21-day cycles may represent a promising, easily administered regimen for metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer. A phase II study will be initiated.