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Drug Combination Has Activity In Inoperable Gastro-Oesophageal Cancers

The drug combination of irinotecan, mitomycin and cisplatin has activity in inoperable upper gastro-oesophageal cancers but also has a high toxicity profile, British researchers report.

Investigators from St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London administered the combination therapy to 38 of 45 outpatients: 26 out of 31 patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer and 12 of 14 patients with pancreatic cancer, in a 28-day cycle.

There was an overall response rate of 42 percent among both the gastro-oesophageal and the pancreatic cancer patients. Median survival was 9.5 months among the gastro-oesophageal patients and eight months among the pancreatic cancer patients.

"There was a statistically significant increase in survival between those patients who achieved a stable disease response and those who achieved either a partial response or complete response," the researchers explain.

Toxicity profiles for both types of cancer were virtually identical, they add.

The total of treatment-related deaths was five. The admission rate was high, at 42 percent.

Investigators suggest future developments could include reducing the dosage of irinotecan and the reducing the number of cycles to four.
British Journal of Cancer, 2002; 87: 850-853. "Irinotecan, cisplatin and mitomycin in inoperable gastro-oesophageal and pancreatic cancers - a new active regimen."

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