Cisplatin and 5-FU combined with radiotherapy and surgery in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Palliative effects and tumor response

Acta Oncol. 1991;30(5):617-22. doi: 10.3109/02841869109092429.

Abstract

The combination of cisplatin (90-120 mg/m2) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (1,000 mg/m2/day in continuous infusion for five days) was given for 2-3 cycles, prior to combined radiotherapy and surgery, to 73 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 60 with limited disease (LD), and 13 with extensive disease (ED) (i.e. with metastasis) of whom 3 had recurrent disease. Before preoperative radiotherapy among 60 LD patients, 12 (20%) had complete response, 21 (35%) partial response, 25 (42%) had stable disease, and 2 (3%) progressive disease. Swallowing was improved in 35/73 (48%) of the cases. In the resected specimens, no tumor was found in 8/53 (15%) of the cases, microscopic tumor in 18/53 (34%) and macroscopic tumor in 27/53 (51%). In the ED group, complete response of distant metastases was obtained in 6/13 (48%) of the patients, one of whom is still alive with no evidence of disease 62 months after the start of treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Palliative Care

Substances

  • Cisplatin
  • Fluorouracil