[Clinical efficacy of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum [II] and 5-fluorouracil (UFT) in advanced cancer of the alimentary tract].

A clinical study of the combination of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum [II] (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil derivatives was conducted in advanced cancer of the alimentary tract. The regimen consisted of CDDP 50 mg/body/day (day 1-2, continuous infusion), 5-fluorouracil 500-750 mg/body/day (day 2-7, continuous infusion) and UFT 400 mg/day (day 8-28) on 1-3 courses. Thirty patients could be evaluated. The response rate was 25% (2/8) in cases of esophageal cancer, 31% (4/13) in gastric cancer and 33% (3/9) in colorectal cancer, with an overall response rate of 30% (9/30). A comparatively higher response rate was obtained in lymph node metastases (46%) and liver metastases (50%). Anorexia, nausea/vomiting and leukocytopenia were frequently observed, but almost all were well tolerated and recovered except two cases with severe leukocytopenia and nephrotoxicity. Based on these results, this combination chemotherapy seems to be useful for advanced cancer of the alimentary tract.