[Optimal administration in combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin for gastric cancer]

To investigate an optimal administration method in combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP), the clinical results of this combination therapy are reviewed. The overall response rate of this combination is 30-50%, and these results are equivalent to those of conventional combination therapy for gastric cancer. It is expected that this combination will become the standard chemotherapy for gastric cancer. Although there are several schedules of 5-FU/ CDDP combination based on the biochemical modulation theory, there are no significant differences among the individual response rates. Therefore, the schedule of this combination should change depending on the clinical condition of the patient and so on. Low-dose CDDP administration is useful, because of fewer side effects. Bolus administration of 5-FU should be considered especially for gastric cancer.