BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of modified triplet chemotherapy with docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin as induction chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Treatment-naïve patients with AGC were eligible. The regimen consisted of 350 mg/m(2)/day 5-FU by continuous infusion on days 1 to 5, 10 mg/m(2)/day CDDP intravenously on days 1 to 5, and docetaxel at 60 mg/m(2)/day intravenously on day 1. After 2 cycles (each cycle consisted of 4 weeks), surgical resection was attempted, 2-4 weeks after the completion of the regimen.

RESULTS:

Eighteen patients were enrolled. Adverse events included grade 3 anorexia and nausea in 16.7% and 11.1% and grade 4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia in 5.6% and 27.8%, respectively. The overall response rate was 44.4%. Surgery was conducted in 15 patients. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 75.6% and 51.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The modified triplet combination therapy is effective and well tolerated by patients with AGC.