Xeloda in therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer – initial results

In the years 2002–2003, 18 patients received Xeloda treatment in the Wielkopolska Cancer Centre due to metastatic colorectal cancer. This group included patients with distant metastases to lungs and liver, between 28–75 years aget. There were complete or partial responses in the case of 12 patients (67%). In addition, a very distinct effect of chemotherapy was observed in the case of 7 patients – decrease of CEA by approximately 50%. In the case of 6 patients disease progression was found (33%). The Xeloda therapy was well tolerated and most of the toxicities were generally rare and/or mild. The main adverse event observed was the hand-foot syndrome. There were no cases of serious hematologic toxicity in this study and the commonest side-effects, i.e. hand and foot syndrome, diarrhoea and stomatitis. Serious adverse events did not occur. Myelosuppression was minimal or absent. The therapy has a favourable safety profile and the convenience of an oral administration. Toxic manifestations are easily managed with a significant reduction in the frequency of hospitalisations and medical resource use, as shown in appropriate studies. The presented results are based on patients who are still treated with Xeloda and a long term response rate may change.