Oxaliplatin, 5Fluorouracil and Leucovorin (FOLFOX4) as First Line Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is considered the fourth most common cancer and second most common cause of cancerrelated mortalities worldwide. Gastric cancer develops more frequently among elderly. The oxaliplatin/5FU/leucovorin (FOLFOX) regimen has shown a notable activity against gastric cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the responses and complications of FOLFOX4 regimen as first line chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to November 2015, a total of 21 patients with metastatic or local AGC (advanced gastric cancer) were analyzed. All patients were administered a FOLFOX4 regimen consisting of a 2h infusion of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 (day 1), continuous infusion of 1000mg/ m2 5Fu in 24h., and leucovorin 200 mg/m2 in 2h infusion as a firstline chemotherapy.

RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were assessable for efficacy and toxicity. One of 18 patients achieved a complete response, and 12 had partial responses, giving an overall response rate of 72.6%. Three (16%) patients demonstrated stable disease and 2 (12%) progression. The median progression free survival was 7.3 months, and the median overall survival was 11.9 months. One patient had grade 3 neuropathy. No other grade 3 or 4 NCICTC were seen.

CONCLUSIONS: The FOLFOX4 regimen used in our study was both active and acceptable for AGC in elderly patients as neoadjuvant and main therapy.