Capecitabine, epirubicin and cisplatin in the treatment of oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma

Background: Inoperable or metastatic oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis. From the many different chemotherapeutic regimens used in the past, a combination of epirubicin, cisplatin and continuous 5-fluorouracil infusion (ECF) showed a consistent response rate of ± 50% with acceptable toxicity. Continuous 5-FU infusion may be replaced by oral fluoropyrimidines. Here we evaluate treatment with epirubicin and cisplatin combined with oral capecitabine (ECC), replacing intravenous 5-FU infusion.

Methods: Retrospectively, we analysed 23 consecutive patients who were treated with epirubicin, cisplatin and oral capecitabine for inoperable or metastatic oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma during 2002 and 2003.

Results: The overall response rate was 57%; another 26% achieved stable disease and only 17% had progressive disease. The median duration of response was 6-4 months; the median survival was 9.0 months. Previously treated patients (n=10) had a significantly worse overall response rate (20%) compared with previously untreated patients (85%). A nonsignificant difference in median survival was found between these groups (3-9 vs 9.8 months in previously treated vs untreated patients). An acceptable incidence of grade 3 and 4 toxicity was found.

Conclusion: Capecitabine in combination with epirubicin and cisplatin is an effective and safe alternative to ECF, without the risks of a continuous venous access.