A phase II trial of chemoradiation therapy with weekly oxaliplatin and protracted infusion of 5-fluorouracil for esophageal cancer

Background Chemoradiation therapy using regimens containing cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil are most commonly used for inoperable cancer of the esophagus. Cisplatin is relatively toxic and is not suitable for many patients. Little data exists using platinum analogues together with protracted infusion 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy in the curative setting. Methods Fourteen patients with localised oesophageal cancer suitable for curative chemoradiation therapy registered on the study. Chemotherapy consisted of 5-fluorouracil 225 mg/m2 daily throughout radiation therapy, with oxaliplatin 60 mg/m2 weekly. The radiation dose was 56 to 60 Gy in 28 to 30 fractions. Results The median age of the patients was 70.5 years. Therapy was associated with excessive grade 3 and 4 non-hematologic toxicity. There was one treatment related death. The median progression-free survival was 31.5 months and median overall survival 32.6 months. Six patients achieved a prolonged complete endoscopic and radiological response. Conclusions Although weekly oxaliplatin in combination with infusional 5 fluorouracil produces durable remissions in esophageal cancer, the regimen used in this trial was not acceptable for routine use. Future protocols should incorporate lower chemotherapy doses.