Concomitant chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

In this study, 31 patients with stages III and IV non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy in the form of 70 Gy to the primary tumor and the involved neck nodes and 50 Gy to non-involved neck nodes with cisplatinum 100 mg/m2/day 1, 22 and 43 of irradiation. This treatment was followed by 3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy in the form of cisplatinum 80 mg/m2/day 1-4/by 24 hours continuous infusion and the cycle to be repeated every 3-4 weeks. All patients were evaluated at the end of concomitant phase and adjuvant phase clinically and radiologically. Follow up was maintained for a median of 32 months. The response to treatment, toxicity profile, pattern of failure, 3-year disease free and overall survival rates were estimated. The current regimen resulted in an improved 3-year disease free survival [DFS] and overall survival [OAS] similar to other studies concerned with the same topic. However, there were high incidences of grade III and IV mucositis, neutropenia and weight loss in this group. Full nutritional support, proper oral hygiene and dental care with the possible use of radio and chemo-protectors as well as growth factor support might be indicated to increase the treatment compliance which ultimately lead to an improved long-term disease free and overall survival

Phase II multicenter study of irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin as a front line therapy in advanced colorectal carcinoma

This multicenter phase II study was designed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the combination of irinotecan with bolus 5-FU and calcium leucovorin [LV] as a front line therapy for advanced colorectal cancer [CRC]. Patients with histologically proven advanced CRC and at least one measurable lesion, with age range 18-75 years, with a performance status of <2, normal baseline biochemical values and no prior chemotherapy [apart from adjuvant] were selected. The treatment regimen was formed of weekly CPT-11 [125 mg/m2] i.v. infusion, 5-FU [500 mg/m2] bolus i.v. and LV [20 mg/m2] i.v. for four weeks [two weeks, followed by two weeks rest, this constitute one cycle]. Treatment continued till either complete remission or disease progression or failure