Adjuvant therapy with raltitrexed in patients with colorectal cancer intolerant of 5-fluorouracil: British Columbia Cancer Agency experience.

BACKGROUND: Severe 5-FU toxicity in adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer may require change of therapy. We retrospectively explored the safety and efficacy of adjuvant raltitrexed in patients intolerant of 5-FU. METHODS: Over a 5 year period, patients who received 5-FU and subsequent raltitrexed therapy were identified. RESULTS: There were 44 patients, (39 stage III). Median number of prior 5-FU cycles was 2. Three year relapse free and overall survival proportions for stage III patients were 70.8% and 83.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Raltitrexed adjuvant therapy can be given safely and effectively in patients where further 5-FU is contraindicated.