Purpose: This retrospective study was performed to clarify the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX regimen in aged patients with nonresectable colorectal cancer.
Patients and methods: We had 92 patients with nonresectable colorectal cancer between December 2005 and March 2008. The rate of introducing modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) regimen was compared among the patients aged 75 years or older (n = 22, aged group) and those aged 74 years or younger (n = 55, younger group). In addition, relative dose intensity (RDI), therapeutic efficacy, and adverse events in the patients who were given the regimen, we compared between the groups.
Results: The rate of introducing the regimen was significantly lower in the aged group (36%, n = 8) than in the younger group (79%, n = 55) (p<0.01). The RDI tended to be lower in the aged group (68.0% versus 79.9%, p=0.10). There were no significant differences in the response rate, disease-control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival between the groups. The rate of adverse events ( > or = grade 3) was not different between the groups ( 50% versus 51%).
Conclusion: Similar to younger patients the mFOLFOX6 regimen is feasible, safe and effective in the selected aged patients, although the dose reduction may be needed for such patients.