Capecitabine and oxaliplatin as first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma

13578 Background: Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine with superior activity and safety compared with bolus 5-FU/LV in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced CRC. Methods: Fourty-six patients (26 men and 20 women) with metastatic CRC entered this study. All patients were treated with capecitabine (1,000mg/m2 p.o.twice daily, days 1–14) and oxaliplatin (130mg/m2 on day 1). Cycles were repeated every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Baseline characteristics: Median age 61 years (range 32–74), main sites of metastasis: Liver 32 patients (70%), liver and lungs 4 patients (9%), lungs 3 patients (6%), other sites 7 patients (15%). Results: 2 patients (4%) achieved complete response (CR), 17 patients (37%) achieved partial response (PR) and 7 patients (15%) attained stable disease (SD). With a median follow-up of 22 months the progression free survival was 7.5 months and overall survival was 19.0 months. All patients were assessable for toxicities. The most commonly encountered adverse events were from the gastrointestinal system (all grades 48%, grade 3, 6%). Neither toxic death nor life-threatening febrile neutropenia were reported. Conclusions: The combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin is a convenient regimen in patients with advanced CRC that is associated with considerable efficacy and limited toxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.