Oral ftorafur versus intravenous 5-fluorouracil. A comparative study in patients with colorectal cancer

The toxicities of oral Ftorafur (1 g/m2/day 1-21) and intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (500 mg/m2/day 1-5) were compared in a prospective randomized study in patients with colorectal cancer. The treatment courses were repeated every 6th week. Leucopenia was more common after 5-FU. Leucocyte nadir in connection with first treatment cycle was on average seen on day 15 in patients receiving 5-FU and on day 28 in patients receiving Ftorafur. Significantly more patients on 5-FU developed stomatitis. There was no difference in the number of patients with diarrhea or nausea/vomiting. Median survival and response rates were not significantly different after the two treatment schedules.