[Analysis of 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin Combined with Weekly Paclitaxel in Advanced Gastric Cancer].

PURPOSE: Advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites cannot tolerate S-1 plus cisplatin-containing therapy. The good toxicity profile of the FLTAX regimen(5-fluorouracil[5-FU]and Leucovorin[l-LV]combined with weekly paclitaxel) might make it a viable alternative treatment for these patients. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of FLTAX in advanced gastric cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced gastric cancer with malignant ascites were treated with 60mg/m2 paclitaxel, followed by 500 mg/m2 5-FU and 250 mg/m2 l-LV on days 1, 8, and 15. Treatment courses were repeated every 28 days. Patients were treated in our hospital from 2014 to 2016. RESULTS: Three advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites received the FLTAX regimen. The median age was 66 years(range 58-66). The median number of treatment courses was 2(range 1-20). The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 55(95%CI 24-.)and 272(95%CI 108-.)days, respectively. Observed Grade 3-4 adverse events were as follows: hyponatremia(1), anorexia(1), upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage(1), and thromboembolic event(1). No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSION: FLTAX demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile, and may be a good option for gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites.