Docetaxel/ TS-1 with radiation for unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus--a phase II trial.

BACKGROUND

We tried a new regimen of docetaxel / TS-1 (tegafur-gimestat-otastat potassium) combined with radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in a phase II trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients, whose tumor invaded other organs without other organ metastasis, were given TS-1 (60 mg/m2/day) from days 1 to 14, and docetaxel (20-30 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8. They received radiation in 2.0 Gy from days 1 to 21. Patients were given a seven-day rest after the first course, and then were treated with the same regimen from days 28 to 49.

RESULTS

Seventeen cases were enrolled in the study. The response rate was 76.4% (13/17). The overall 5-year survival rate was 29.6% (5/17) and median survival time was 15.2 months. Adverse events more than grade 3 occurred in 10 cases.

CONCLUSION

This combination therapy may be one of the most effective treatments because of its lower rate of non-hematological adverse events and higher response rate. Three cases also underwent salvage surgery when the tumor recurred, and in one case, chemoradiation to a metastatic nodule on the thoracic wall was added.

Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.