MMAF for advanced gastric cancer

Area of Science:

• Medical Oncology
• Gastrointestinal Oncology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Metastatic gastric carcinoma presents significant treatment challenges.
• Effective chemotherapy regimens are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of a combination chemotherapy regimen in patients with metastatic gastric carcinoma.
• To identify predictors of response and survival in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 65 patients with metastatic gastric carcinoma received a combination of methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and mitomycin.
• Chemotherapy cycles were administered every 4 weeks.
• Response rates, survival, and prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods.

Main Results:

• The overall response rate was 29% (6% complete response, 23% partial response).
• Karnofsky performance status and primary tumor site were significant predictors of response.
• Karnofsky performance status and disease status (recurrent vs. residual/inoperable) were significant in multivariate analysis for response.
• Median survival was 7 months, with complete responders showing sustained remission.
• Karnofsky performance status, response to chemotherapy, and serum albumin predicted survival in univariate analysis.
• Karnofsky performance status and day 14 platelet count predicted survival in multivariate analysis, with higher platelets linked to poorer survival.

Conclusions:

• The studied chemotherapy combination demonstrates a notable response rate in metastatic gastric cancer.
• Karnofsky performance status is a critical prognostic factor for both treatment response and survival.
• Disease status and platelet count on day 14 also hold prognostic value for survival.