J. de Castro

Uracil and tegafur modulated with leucovorin

In spite of the high prevalence of cancer in the elderly, little information is available about the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy in elderly patients. In a previous study, the authors demonstrated that the combination of uracil and tegafur (UFT) with leucovorin (LV) was active and well tolerated in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma (ACC). The objective of the current study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of this regimen in elderly patients with ACC.

Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine and UFT Modulated by Leucovorin in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma

Use of chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic carcinoma (APC) pursues a palliative objective. Gemcitabine is active against this tumor and shows in vitro synergism with 5‐fluorouracil. UFT is a combination of tegafur (a prodrug of 5‐flouorouracil) and uracil that can be given orally. The administration of UFT for several weeks may simulate the effects of a continuous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil. The objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of the combination gemcitabine‐UFT‐leucovorin in the treatment of APC.

UFT® Modulated with Leucovorin in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Oncopaz Experience

A phase II trial of UFT (Tegafur and Uracil) modulated by leucovorin was undertaken by the Oncopaz Cooperative Group to assess the efficacy and toxicity of this combination in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. A total of 75 patients were given 500 mg/m2 intravenous leucovorin and 195 mg/m2 of oral UFT on day 1, followed by oral leucovorin 15 mg/12 h and 195 mg/m2/12 h of oral UFT on days 2-14. An overall response rate of 39% was obtained, with seven complete responses (9%), and 22 partial responses (29%). The primary toxicity was gastrointestinal, with grade 1-2 diarrhea occurring in 8.5% of courses, and grade 3-4 in 3.5%. Hematologic toxicity was minimal, and there were no deaths due to toxicity. This regimen was active and well tolerated in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, including those 70 years of age or older.