[Sequential chemotherapy with low-dose methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil in advanced gastric cancer]

Sequential chemotherapy with low-dose methotrexate (30 mg/body) and 5-FU (750 mg/m2) was undertaken in 16 patients with advanced gastric cancer. Following the chemotherapy, leucovorin (30 mg/body) was injected intravenously. These treatment were repeated weekly for two to eight weeks. Out of 16 patients, two partial remissions and two minor responses were obtained. The overall response rate was 12.5%. There were no cases of renal or hematologic toxicity. The only adverse effect was nausea. We concluded therefore, that sequential chemotherapy with low-dose methotrexate and 5-FU is a useful method for advanced gastric cancer.