Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Docetaxel, Cisplatin and S-1 for Resectable Advanced Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: Although the efficacy is limited, standard therapy for Stage II/III esophageal cancer in Japan includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil. A phase II trial was conducted on patients with resectable advanced esophageal cancer obtaining neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin plus S-1 (DCS).

Patients and methods: A total of 40 patients were enrolled, each treated by the following DCS regimen: docetaxel 40 mg/m², cisplatin 60 mg/m² on day 1, and S-1 80 mg/m² on days 1-14, repeated every four weeks, for a maximum of three cycles.

Results: Clinical response rate was 76% and the pathological response rate (Grade 2/3) was 33%. Hematological toxicities of Grade 3/4 were leukopenia 50%, neutropenia 68%, and febrile neutropenia 18%.

Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with DCS is a feasible therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Keywords: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy; S-1; cisplatin; docetaxel; esophageal cancer.