Combination Chemotherapy of Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: a Pilot Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oxaliplatin and capecitabine in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2001 and April 2003, fourteen patients were enrolled in this study. Oxaliplatin, 80 mg/m(2), was administered intravenously on day 1, and capecitabine, 1, 250 mg/m(2) bid po (total daily dose 2, 500 mg/m(2)), was given on days 1~14 of 3 week cycles. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 57 years (range: 41~74), and the most common sites of metastasis were liver, lung or lymph node. Of the 12 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 41.7%, but with no complete response. The median response duration and median progression free survival of 12 patients were 42 and 24.4 weeks, respectively. The median overall survival was not reached. A median 6 (range: 1~9), and a total 80, cycles were administered to 14 patients. 80 cycles were evaluable for toxicity. The most common hematological toxicities were NCI grades I/II anemia (45%), leucopenia (33.75%) and thrombocytopenia (17.5%). The most common non-hematological toxicities were nausea/ vomiting (28.75/5%) and neurotoxicity (8.75%). Hand and foot syndrome was noted in only 3.75%. There was no life-threatening toxicity. CONCLUSION: Oxaliplatin and oral capecitabine combination chemotherapy showed significant activity and favorable toxicity in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Further studies, with larger numbers of patients and long-tern follow-up will be needed.