Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer is the first cause of mortality for cancer in Chile. 65% is observed in advanced form and the median survival without surgery is 5,4 months. We hypothesised that chemotherapy and specially FOLFOX IV is an active regimen and has low toxicity in patient with advanced gastric cancer. The main evaluated objectives were: response, toxicity and survival of patient with advanced gastric cancer. Methods: Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, stage IV that accepted chemotherapy with FOLFOX IV in any time of evolution were included. The evaluation of response was obtained with CT scan every two month. The characteristics of patients, chemotherapy responses, toxicity and global survival were analysed. Results: Between November 2003 and October 2005, 20 patients were included, the median age was 51,5 years (range 28–67), 80% male. Hepatic, peritoneal and lung metastases were the principal places of dissemination. The response rate in first line was: PR 66%, SD 17%, with overall response of 83% (12 patients). In second line the response was: PR 37%, SD 63% (8 patients). The average of treatment was 5,5 months. The median of response was 5 months (2–12). The median overall survival was 12 months. 50% of patients showed toxicity; digestive grade 2 in 2 patients, neurological grade 2 in 4 patients and only 1 patient showed grade 3 toxicity. Conclusions: FOLFOX IV is an active chemotherapy regiment with low toxicity profile in advanced gastric cancer. With these results we propose a Phase III trial would be feasible to perform.