Effect of combination of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and mitomycin C (FEM) on advanced gastric carcinoma

Nihon Gan Chiryo Gakkai Shi. 1989 Aug 20;24(8):1551-6.

Abstract

Fifteen patients with advanced gastric carcinoma were treated with the combination of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Epirubicin (EPI) and Mitomycin C (MMC). Twelve of 15 patients were evaluable. Three patients showed partial response (25%) and 4 showed no change (33%) according to the criteria of Japan Society for Cancer Therapy. Mean survival time for responders, nonresponders and all evaluable patients were 14. 3, 3.6 and 6.3 months, respectively. Two patients with partial response lived over 18 months. Major toxicities included myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting, and alopecia. These were mild in general and reversible by discontinuance. No cardiotoxicity developed. It was concluded that this combination therapy is beneficial in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma because it showed measurable clinical effectiveness with less toxicity than FAM therapy (a combination of 5-FU, Doxorubicin and MMC).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Epirubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitomycin
  • Mitomycins / administration & dosage
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Mitomycins
  • Epirubicin
  • Mitomycin
  • Fluorouracil

Supplementary concepts

  • FEM protocol