Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose, recommended dose and dose-limiting toxicities of irinotecan (CPT-11) plus S-1 in advanced colorectal cancer.
Methods: S-1 was administered orally at 80 mg/m(2) per day for 14 consecutive days followed by a 2-week rest. CPT-11 was given intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each course, at an initial dose of 80 mg/m(2) per day, stepping up to 100, 120 or 150 mg/m(2) per day. Courses were repeated every 4 weeks, unless disease progression or severe toxicities were observed.
Results: A total of 21 patients were entered in this study. The maximum tolerated dose of CPT-11 was considered to be 150 mg/m(2), because 2 of 3 patients developed dose-limiting toxicities such as leukopenia, neutropenia, diarrhea and anorexia. The recommend dose of CPT-11 was set at 120 mg/m(2). Tumor response rate was 42.8% and median progression-free survival time was 10 months (95% confidential interval, 6.0-14.0 months).
Conclusion: A combination of S-1 and CPT-11 showed a good safety profile and can be recommended for further phase II studies in patients with colorectal cancer.