An Oxaliplatin + 5-Fluorouracil Bolus + Folinic Acid (BFOL) Regimen as First-Line Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Abstract

Aims and background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated, as first line, with 5-fluorouracil bolus/leucovorin + oxaliplatin, in terms of response, progression-free and overall survival.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort of consecutive metastatic colorectal cancer patients, treated from 2003 to 2006, was identified and analyzed. All patients, without a central venous device, were treated with oxaliplatin + 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin.

Results

Twenty-five metastatic colorectal cancer patients were treated. No 3–4 grade toxicity was observed. Five of 23 patients achieved a partial response: one of them resulted in a complete response after radiofrequency and another one after surgery. Fifteen of 23 patients had stable disease (one underwent radical surgery after chemotherapy, obtaining a complete remission) and 3 had progressive disease. Median progression-free survival was 7.2 months, and median overall survival was 30 months.

Conclusions

Based on this case-series study, the regimen seems to offer a good control of disease (86.9%) and can be considered as an alternative choice for patients who cannot receive continuous infusion.