High and Low Dose Folinic Acid, 5-Fluorouracil Bolus and Continuous Infusion for Poor-Prognosis Patients with Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma

Objective: Evaluation and assessment of response rate, duration and toxicity in patients subjected to 5-FUbased chemotherapy. Background: The therapeutic ratio shifts with different 5FU/LV regimens and none yetserve as the internationally accepted Gold Standard . A bimonthly regimen of high dose leucovorin is reportedto be less toxic and more effective than monthly low dose regimens. We here compare therapeutic responses andsurvival benefit of the two regimens in poor prognosis patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Patients and
Methods: A total of 35 patients with histologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma were subjected to de Gramontand Mayo Clinic regimen. Nineteen patients were treated with high dose folinic acid (200 mg/m2), glucose 5%,5-FU (400 mg/m2) and 22 hr. CIV (600 mg/m2) for two consecutive days every two weeks. These patients hadfailed responses to previous chemotherapy and were above sixty years of age with poor general status. Sixteenpatients (six below 60 years) with progressive disease were subjected to low dose folinic acid (20 mg/m2)for fivedays, 5FU(425 mg/m2) injection bolus for 5 days, every five weeks. An initial evaluation was made in sixty daysand responders were reevaluated at sixty days interval or earlier in case of clinical impairment. Based on positiveprognosis, the therapy was continued. Evaluation of treatment response was made on the basis of WHO criteria.
Results: The response rate was 44% in thirty four evaluable patients, with 4 complete responses (11.8%) and 11(32.4%) partial responses. The two schedules were well tolerated, whereas, mild toxicity without WHO Grade≥2 events was assessed. The response duration was extended (12 months) in a few patients with age above sixtyyears treated by high dose bimonthly regimen of 5FU/LV.
Conclusion: The regimens are safe and effective inadvanced colorectal carcinoma patients with poor general status.