Early Response of Esophageal Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Docetaxel-Cisplatin-5-Fluorouracil Represents Sensitivity: A Phase II Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the response rate and find improvements.

Patients and methods: Fifty-five patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (one or two courses) consisted of 60 mg/m(2)docetaxel on day 1, 70 mg/m(2)cisplatin on day 1 and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil at 600 mg/m(2)/day on day 1-5. All patients were examined for clinical response by computed tomography and endoscopy at each course.

Results: Grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was observed in 63.6% and grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicity in 41.8% of patients. The clinical response rate was 71% and histological complete response rate was 7.8%. We divided patients into three groups by clinical response to the first course of chemotherapy: partial response (PR), incomplete response (IR) and stable disease (SD). The final clinical response rate in those with SD to the first course was significantly lower (vs. those with PR p<0.001, vs. IR p<0.001).

Conclusion: A high response rate was obtained and tolerability was good. Moreover, the presence of sensitivity to therapy was reflected in the initial clinical response.

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil; Esophageal cancer; cisplatin; docetaxel; neoadjuvant chemotherapy.