Docetaxel: in gastric cancer

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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
10:28

Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT

Published on: January 22, 2018

Emma D Deeks1, Lesley J Scott

  • 1Wolters Kluwer Health | Adis, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz

Drugs
|August 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Adding docetaxel to cisplatin and fluorouracil chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes for advanced gastric cancer patients. This triple regimen offers longer survival and better quality of life compared to standard chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medical Chemistry

Background:

  • Docetaxel, a taxane derivative, functions by inhibiting microtubule disassembly.
  • In vitro studies show docetaxel induces apoptosis-associated binding activity of activating protein-1 and upregulates proapoptotic genes BCL2L1 and BAX in gastric cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination chemotherapy regimen including docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil in patients with advanced gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • A large, randomized, multicenter, phase III trial involving 445 patients compared 3-week cycles of intravenous docetaxel plus cisplatin and fluorouracil against 4-week cycles of intravenous cisplatin plus fluorouracil.
  • Two additional large, randomized, phase II studies supported these findings.

Main Results:

  • The median time to tumor progression was significantly prolonged in the docetaxel-containing triple regimen group (5.6 months vs. 3.7 months).
  • Patients receiving the triple regimen also demonstrated significantly longer median overall survival, a higher overall response rate, and delayed deterioration in health-related quality of life.
  • The combination therapy was generally well-tolerated in the context of advanced gastric cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil represents a superior treatment option for patients with metastatic or locally advanced/recurrent gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
  • This regimen offers significant improvements in survival, tumor response, and quality of life compared to cisplatin plus fluorouracil alone.

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