[Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Preliminary results]

Gastric adenocarcinoma locally advanced or located at the cardia, or of large size or with local lymphadenopathies are of bad prognosis. To improve the surgical results we have tested the feasibility and tumoral efficacity of pre-operative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy. Twenty patients have been included between 6/87 and 12/88. Median age was 63 years (36-74); all patients were in good general condition (OMS 0-1). The tumors were located at the cardia in 50%. The tumor median size was 10 cm (6-19), pathological lymph nodes were seem at CAT. Scan in 10/20. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy was continuous IV, 5 FU 1 g/m2/day for 5 days + CDDP 100 mg/m2, day 1. The cycles were repeated every 4 weeks. The median number of cycles prior surgery was 2 (1-4) and depended of tolerance and efficacy. We have observed (WHO criteria). 1 CR, 12 PR (Responsible rate: 65%). 6 MR or S. One patient was non evaluable because coronary insufficiency complicating the first cycle. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy toxicity was mainly hematological. The surgical procedure was curative in 15/20 patients; palliative 4 and non feasible for progression 1. Normal rate of post-operative complications was encountered: 2 subphrenic abscess, 1 pneumopathy, 1 stercoral peritonitis. At this date 3/20 patients died (17 patients are still alive, among them 14 are NED (the overall median survival is more than 10 months). This study demonstrated the feasibility and high response rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric carcinomas. A randomized trial is warranted to demonstrate the survival benefit.