Etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin alternating with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and high-dose methotrexate in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction.

Both the etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin (EAP) and 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, high-dose methotrexate (FAMTX) schedules have been reported to be active in advanced gastric cancer. Since these regimens include non-cross resistant agents, a regimen that consists of EAP alternating with FAMTX may have an advantage over each regimen alone. We undertook a phase II trial to evaluate EAP/FAMTX in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction. Of the 56 patients treated, an objective response was observed in 34%, including complete response in 7%. Median response duration was 8 months and median survival for the entire group was 9 months. The main toxicity was myelosuppression. Hospitalization for granulocytopenic fever was required in 32% of patients and 34% required red blood cells (RBC) transfusion. Non-hematological toxicity was moderate. There were three drug-related deaths associated with granulocytopenic fever. We conclude that the alternating EAP/FAMTX regimen is associated with occasional lethal events and has no obvious advantage over either regimen alone.