Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (EOX) in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients in the Chinese population.
Patients and methods: Patients with previously untreated advanced measurable gastric cancer received epirubicin (50 mg/m(2), day 1), oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2) 2-hour infusion, day 1) and capecitabine (625 mg/m(2) orally, twice daily, days 1-21) every 3 weeks.
Results: Of 48 enrolled patients, 47 were evaluable for efficacy and 48 for toxicity. A median of five cycles (range 1-8) was administered. The overall response rate was 51.1% (95% CI 36-66) with two complete responses, 22 partial responses, 16 stable diseases, and 7 progressions. Median progression-free survival was 6.5 months (95% CI 5.6-7.4) and median overall survival was 10.4 months (95% CI 8.8-12.0). Grade 3-4 neutropenia and anemia were observed in 22.9 and 6.3% of patients, respectively. Grade 3-4 nonhematological toxicities included alopecia (18.9%), nausea (8.3%), vomiting (6.3%), diarrhea (6.3%), hand-foot syndrome (4.2%) and neurological toxicity (2.1%).
Conclusion: In our experience, the EOX regimen was highly effective, well tolerated and conveniently delivered as first-line chemotherapy for AGC patients in the Chinese population.
Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.