IRINOTECAN, FLUOROURACIL AND LEUCOVORIN IN PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC COLORECTAL CANCER

Background: Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that prolongs survival as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, treated with Fluorouracil and Leucovorin only.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination Irinotecan, Fluorouracil and Leucovorin.Methods: In the period 2006-2007 34 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer entered the study.The treatment schedule consists of Irinotecan 180 mg/m2 day 1, Fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 day 1 and 2 and Leucovorin 200 mg/m2 day 1 and 2 every 14 days.Results: Overall response rate was 36,7% with three complete remissions.Median survival was 20,3 months.Diarrhea, vomiting and mucositis were most common side effects.Conclusions: That data suggest that the addition of Irinotecan to Fluorouracil and Leucovorin will offer opportunity to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.