SEQUENTIAL COMBINATION OF METHOTREXATE (MTX), 5-FLUOROURACIL (FU), AND HIGH-DOSE FOLINIC ACID (FA) IN ADVANCED COLORECTAL-CANCER - DOUBLE BIOCHEMICAL MODULATION

Thirty evaluable patients were treated with methotrexate (MTX) 200 mg/m2, i.v. infusion over 60 minutes, 24 hours prior to the administration of 5-florouracil 600 mg/m2, and folinic acid 200 mg/m2, i.v. infusion over 60 minutes, every 2 weeks. A partial or complete response was achieved in 12 patients (40%), and disease stable in 10 patients (33%). Median actuarial survival was 18 months. Side effects, which were within acceptable limits, included 11 cases of stomatitis (5 Grade 3), 3 cases of leukopenia (Grade 2) and 12 cases of mild nausea and vomiting. We conclude that the present combination is active in metastatic colorectal cancer with mild toxicity. These results are being confirmed and a randomized trial is being carried out to prove that this combination holds therapeutic advantage.