Efficacy and safety analysis of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer

Background: Significant efficacy of oxaliplatinbased chemotherapy has been demonstrated for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, the appropriate dose of oxaliplatin, and the efficacy and toxicity of administration of oxaliplatin subsequent to cisplatin therapy still remain unclear. Patients and Methods: In total, 55 patients with AGC that were scheduled to receive oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were prospectively examined. Results: The median age was 67 years and oxaliplatin was administered to 39 (71%) patients as first-line and in 16 (29%) patients as second-line therapy. An initial dose of 130 or 100 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin was administered to 11 and 36 patients, respectively. The overall response rates (ORR) and median progression free survival (mPFS) were 86 and 33%, and 7.2 and 7.8 months, respectively. Compared to 100 mg/m2, the relative dose intensity was significantly lower and severe toxicity tended to increase with oxaliplatin at 130 mg/m2. A total of 10 patients (18%) had a prior cisplatin-based therapy. The ORR of the patients pretreated with cisplatin was 14% and the mPFS was 6.1 months. Conclusion: An initial oxaliplatin dose of 130 mg/m2 resulted in a good response, but tended to increase the risk of toxicity. Subsequent oxaliplatin-based therapy after cisplatin exhibited modest efficacy, especially in cases with cisplatin intolerance.