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Raltitrexed/5-fluorouracil-based combination chemotherapy regimens in anticancer therapy
F Caponigro1, A Avallone, A Budillon
1Southern Italy Cooperative Oncology Group, c/o National Tumor Institute of Naples, Via M Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy. fracap@sirio-oncology.it
Anti-Cancer Drugs
|July 19, 2001
Summary
Raltitrexed combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) shows promising anticancer effects. Clinical studies indicate good tolerability and response rates in colorectal and head and neck cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preclinical studies demonstrated schedule-dependent synergism between raltitrexed and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
- This preclinical finding prompted clinical investigation of combination chemotherapy regimens involving raltitrexed and 5-FU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical findings of raltitrexed/5-FU-based combination chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of these combinations in various advanced cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical data and clinical trial results.
- Analysis of response rates and toxicity profiles from studies involving raltitrexed/5-FU combinations with levofolinic acid (LFA), oxaliplatin, and cisplatin.
Main Results:
- Response rates of 25% (first-line) and 23% (second-line) in metastatic colorectal cancer using raltitrexed/5-FU/LFA and oxaliplatin/raltitrexed/5-FU/LFA, respectively.
- A 67% response rate in advanced head and neck cancer with cisplatin/raltitrexed/5-FU/LFA, reaching 100% at the recommended dose.
- Combinations were generally well tolerated, with neutropenia as the primary dose-limiting toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Raltitrexed shows potential in combination regimens for colorectal and head and neck cancers.
- Further investigation in chemo-radiotherapy strategies, particularly for rectal cancer, is warranted.
- Phase II studies are planned to explore these therapeutic possibilities.