The Comparison of FLOT and DCF Regimens as Perioperative Treatment for Gastric Cancer.

INTRODUCTION

Locoregional gastric cancer is a still serious problem and perioperative treatments may improve the success of management. Different regimens were examined. The present study purposed to compare the efficacy of fluorouracil-leucovorin-oxaliplatin-docetaxel (FLOT) and docetaxel-cisplatin-fluorouracil (DCF) regimens.

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study assessed the patients with locoregional gastric cancer. There are 240 patients (137 DCF, 103 FLOT). Survival rates were compared.

RESULTS

Demographic features were similar between the two groups, but the time period was different. The FLOT group had 7.8% pathological complete response, while the DCF group did not. Disease-free survival was longer in the FLOT than in the DCF group (median not reached - 13.94 months, respectively). Median overall survival was similar (30.9 vs. 37.8 months), but median follow-up affected the analysis. Survival for 36 months was 63% for the FLOT group and 40% for the DCF group (log-rank; p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

FLOT regimen was superior to DCF regimen for response and survival rates. DCF is a historical approach. Long-term follow-up period is needed for FLOT treatment.