[TS-1/CDDP/Lentinan combination chemotherapy for inoperable advanced gastric cancer]

It is reported that TS-1 administered orally shows a significant anti-neoplasm effect on advanced gastric cancer, and, furthermore, approximately 70% or greater effectiveness is reported for combination chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP). Lentinan is reported to extend the survival period in advanced cancer, and in combination with Tegafur. In the present study, combination chemotherapy with TS-1/CDDP/Lentinan was conducted for patients with inoperable advanced gastric cancer, and the validity, safety and resultant QOL of the treatment were evaluated. TS-1 was administered for 3 weeks at 80 mg/m2, followed by withdrawal for 2 weeks, and CDDP was prescribed once for patients at 70 mg/m2 on the 8th day after starting TS-1 administration. For patients aged 80 or above, however, the dose was reduced, and given separately to the patients. Lentinan was administered at 2 mg/week. The rate of effectiveness for the 9 registered patients was 100%. This high rate was obtained regardless of changes in the histopathological findings. Critical side effects (grade three or above) were anemia and pigmentation, in one case each. An improvement in QOL was also observed for combination therapy including Lentinan. In cases of inoperable advanced gastric cancer, TS-1/CDDP combination chemotherapy showed higher efficacy regardless of the pathological alterations, and higher and sustained improvement of QOL was also observed with the addition of Lentinan to the protocol.