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Paclitaxel and concurrent radiation in upper gastrointestinal cancers
Maria Constantinou1, James Y Tsai, Howard Safran
1Brown University Oncology Group, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Cancer Investigation
|January 23, 2004
Summary
Paclitaxel enhances radiation therapy for upper gastrointestinal cancers. This combination shows promise in esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas, improving survival in pancreatic cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Adenocarcinomas of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas require effective locoregional treatments.
- Paclitaxel is being explored as a radiation sensitizer for upper gastrointestinal malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and efficacy of paclitaxel in combination with radiation therapy for esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.
- To highlight paclitaxel's potential as a radiation sensitizer, particularly in pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating paclitaxel combined with radiation therapy (RT) for upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes, including efficacy, toxicity, and survival rates from clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Concurrent low-dose weekly paclitaxel, platinum, and RT shows activity and tolerability in esophageal cancer.
- Paclitaxel/RT demonstrated a 43% 1-year survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer, a significant improvement over 5-FU-based chemoradiation.
- Addition of fluorouracil (5-FU) or hyperfractionation radiation in esophageal cancer regimens increased severe esophagitis incidence.
Conclusions:
- Paclitaxel is a valuable radiation sensitizer for upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas.
- The paclitaxel/RT combination offers improved survival for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
- Further research is ongoing to optimize paclitaxel-based chemoradiation regimens, including molecular targeting agents.