Enhancement of antitumor activity of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (Furtulon) by taxane in human gastric cancer xenografts

5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR, Furtulon) is activated to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) highly expressed in many types of tumors. In previous studies, we demonstrated that taxanes (paclitaxel or docetaxel) up-regulated the tumor levels of dThdPase and enhanced the efficacy of 5'-DFUR in human colon and mammary xenograft models. In the present study, combination therapy of 5'-DFUR with taxanes in human gastric cancer xenograft models also showed, at the least, additive anti-tumor activity without significant augmentation of toxicity. Furthermore, paclitaxel up-regulated dThdPase expression in the tumor tissues as confirmed with ELISA and immunohistochemistry. These results suggest taxanes would potentiate the efficacy of 5'-DFUR by up-regulating the tumor levels of dThdPase in gastric xenograft models. Clinical trials of 5'-DFUR in combination with taxane against gastric cancer are warranted.

Correlations between antitumor activities of fluoropyrimidines and DPD activity in lung tumor xenografts

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the antitumor activity of S-1 (1 M tegafur, 0.4 M 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine and 1 M potassium oxonate) on human lung tumor xenografts, as compared with other fluoro-pyrimidines, and to investigate the relationships between fluoropyrimidine antitumor activities and four distinct enzymatic activities involved in the phosphorylation and degradation pathways of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism. S-1, UFT (1 M tegafur-4 M uracil), 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR), capecitabine and 5-FU were administered for 14 consecutive days to nude mice bearing lung tumor xenografts. S-1 showed stronger tumor growth inhibition in four of the seven tumors than the other drugs. Cluster analysis, on the basis of antitumor activity, indicated that S-1/UFT and 5'-DFUR/capecitabine/5-FU could be classified into another group. We investigated tumor thymidylate synthase content, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity, thymidine phosphorylase (TP) activity and orotate phosphoribosyl transferase activity in seven human lung tumor xenografts and performed regression analyses for the antitumor activities of fluoropyrimidines. There were inverse correlations between antitumor and DPD activities for 5'-DFUR (r=-0.79, P=0.034), capecitabine (r=-0.56, P=0.19) and 5-FU (r=-0.86, P=0.013). However, no such correlations were observed for S-1 and UFT. These findings suggest that S-1 containing a potent DPD inhibitor may have an antitumor effect on lung tumors, with high basal DPD activity, superior to those of other fluoropyrimidines.

[Bi-weekly chemotherapy with medium-dose docetaxel for advanced and recurrent breast cancers (The 15th study of Keiji Breast Cancer Study Group)]

The efficacy and safety of bi-weekly administration of medium-dose docetaxel (TXT) were evaluated in patients with advanced and recurrent breast cancers. The additional effect of 5'-DFUR for non-responders was also evaluated. Forty patients with advanced and recurrent breast cancers were treated and 38 cases of 40 were evaluated (34 with recurrent cases and 4 with advanced cases). All cases were female, and their mean age was 56.0 (38-74). TXT of 60 mg/body, which was equivalent to 30-50 mg/m2 for standard-sized Japanese women, was administered every two weeks. 5'-DFUR of 800 mg/body was added for non-responders after 5 weeks. The response rate was calculated from the data of 32 cases with measurable lesions, and side effects were evaluated in about 34 cases with exact records. Two hundred seventy-one courses were performed for 38 patients (4-24 courses per person, average 7.13 courses). The mean dosage per course of TXT was 58.4 mg/body (38.3 mg/ m2). Three complete and 7 partial responses were observed (overall response rate: 31.3%). Ten non-responders were evaluated for the additional effect of 5' DFUR, and one case reached PR. Grade 3/4 bone marrow suppression occurred in 9 patients, and Grade 3/4 general malaise was observed in two patient. According to the results, bi-weekly administration of medium dose TXT is an active and safe regimen in patients with advanced and recurrent breast cancers. The additional effect of 5'-DFUR was observed in one of 10 non-responders of bi-weekly chemotherapy with medium-dose TXT.

[Two cases of advanced breast cancer responding to oral chemoendocrine therapy with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine, medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyclophosphamide (DMpC)]

Two patients were diagnosed as advanced breast cancer with multiple bone metastases. DMpC therapy (oral chemoendocrine combination therapy with doxifluridine, medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyclophosphamide) was chosen as first-line chemotherapy. After one month of the treatment, reductions in the primary tumors, lymph node metastases and metastatic bone lesions were noted. Only grade 2 leukopenia was observed as an adverse event in only one patient. DMpC therapy is an effective, easy and safe oral therapy. Therefore, it is possible to continue medication on an ambulatory basis for the long-term. DMpC therapy could thus be one the most useful treatments for advanced breast cancer.

A phase I study of doxifluridine combined with weekly paclitaxel for metastatic gastric cancer

PURPOSE

Based on the synergistic effect in preclinical studies, a phase I clinical trial for the combination of paclitaxel and doxifluridine (an intermetabolite of capecitabine) was performed to determine the recommended dose for the treatment of patients with metastatic gastric cancer.

METHODS

The dose of paclitaxel was increased from 60 mg/m2 at level 1 to 90 mg/m2 at level 5. It was administered as a 1-h infusion on days 1 and 8. The dose of doxifluridine was fixed at 600 mg/m2 per day up to level 3, and escalated to 800 mg/m2 per day at levels 4 and 5. It was administered orally for 2 weeks. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at levels 1 and 2 (paclitaxel 70 mg/m2). A DLT of grade 4 neutropenia lasting for more than 4 days was observed in one patient at level 3 (paclitaxel 80 mg/m2). In addition, the first five of six patients in this group experienced grade 3 neutropenia during the first treatment cycle. A further six patients were added in order to confirm the safety of this dosage level, and no more DLTs except for grade 3 nausea in one patient were observed in the second cohort. No DLT was seen in three patients at level 4 (paclitaxel 80 mg/m2). DLTs (grade 3 neuropathy in one patient and a treatment delay of the second cycle for more than 1 week due to grade 3 neutropenia in another) were observed in two out of six patients at level 5 (paclitaxel 90 mg/m2), and this dose level was determined as the maximum tolerated dose. The tumor response rate was 42% (95% confidence interval 20-67%) in 19 patients with measurable lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended dose was determined as 80 mg/m2 of paclitaxel (days 1 and 8) and 800 mg/m2) of doxifluridine (days 1-14) every 3 weeks. The results of this phase I study are encouraging and a phase II trial is thus warranted.

Sequential Treatment with Irinotecan and Doxifluridine: Optimal Dosing Schedule in Murine Models and in a Phase I Study for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Irinotecan (CPT-11) and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) are active agents against colorectal cancer. Each drug, however, has the possibility of causing diarrhea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, we determined the optimal dosing regimen in murine models. CPT-11 (i.v., q2d x 3) and 5'-DFUR (p.o., qd x 14) were administered to mice bearing a human colorectal cancer xenograft model. Diarrhea was stronger in the simultaneously administered schedule but not much stronger in the sequentially administered schedule compared with monotherapies. Both schedules yielded similar antitumor efficacies. Next, we conducted a phase I study combining CPT-11 on days 1 and 15, and 5'-DFUR on days 3-14 and 17-28 every 5 weeks in 19 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The doses of CPT-11 ranged from 80 to 150 mg/m2 and those of 5'-DFUR from 800 to 1,200 mg. Diarrhea of grade 3/4 developed in only 1 patient at 100 mg/m2/800-mg doses. Dose-limiting toxicities were hyperbilirubinemia and skipping doses due to fatigue at 150 mg/m2/1,200-mg doses.

CONCLUSION

For the phase II study, the recommended dose was set at CPT-11 150 mg/m2 and 5'-DFUR 800 mg.

[A case of recurrent breast cancer with multiple lung, adrenal, inferior vena cava tumor thrombus and bone metastases successfully treated with 5'-DFUR and hormonal therapy]

A 42-year-old woman with multiple organ metastases from breast cancer was successfully treated with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) and hormonal therapy (leuprorelin+tamoxifen). She underwent radical mastectomy for advanced left breast cancer in June 1998. In September 2000, she was treated with docetaxel for multiple lung metastases, and the lesions were diagnosed as in complete remission. In June 2001, she received radiation for bone metastasis in left femoral and received a resection of subcutaneous metastases in the face. Then she received 2 courses of paclitaxel. In May 2002, she had multiple lung metastases, right adrenal metastasis, tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava and multiple bone metastases, and was treated with cycrophosphamide, epirubicin, and 5-FU, however, they were abandoned due to severe leucopenia. Therefore, 600 mg/day of 5'-DFUR was administered from December 2002. The lesions of lung and adrenal decreased extendedly in March 2003. She was diagnosed as being in CR in March 2004, and this condition has continued to the present.

CD134 as target for specific drug delivery to auto-aggressive CD4+ T cells in adjuvant arthritis

T cells have an important role during the development of autoimmune diseases. In adjuvant arthritis, a model for rheumatoid arthritis, we found that the percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing the activation marker CD134 (OX40 antigen) was elevated before disease onset. Moreover, these CD134+ T cells showed a specific proliferative response to the disease-associated epitope of mycobacterial heat shock protein 60, indicating that this subset contains auto-aggressive T cells. We studied the usefulness of CD134 as a molecular target for immune intervention in arthritis by using liposomes coated with a CD134-directed monoclonal antibody as a drug targeting system. Injection of anti-CD134 liposomes subcutaneously in the hind paws of pre-arthritic rats resulted in targeting of the majority of CD4+CD134+ T cells in the popliteal lymph nodes. Furthermore, we showed that anti-CD134 liposomes bound to activated T cells were not internalized. However, drug delivery by these liposomes could be established by loading anti-CD134 liposomes with the dipalmitate-derivatized cytostatic agent 5'-fluorodeoxyuridine. These liposomes specifically inhibited the proliferation of activated CD134+ T cells in vitro, and treatment with anti-CD134 liposomes containing 5'-fluorodeoxyuridine resulted in the amelioration of adjuvant arthritis. Thus, CD134 can be used as a marker for auto-aggressive CD4+ T cells early in arthritis, and specific liposomal targeting of drugs to these cells via CD134 can be employed to downregulate disease development.

A combination phase I study of weekly paclitaxel and doxifluridine in advanced gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Preclinical studies have shown that paclitaxel and doxifluridine can act synergistically without overlapping toxicity for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicity and the recommended Phase II dose for this drug combination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with histologically confirmed gastric cancer were eligible for the study. The paclitaxel dose (days 1, 8, 15) was augmented with a fixed dose of for treatments (1-3). doxifluridine (533 mg/m2, 5 days/week) on a 28-day cycle.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were enrolled. The MTD was not reached until the highest dose level. One patient had Grade 3 myelosuppression. The responses of the 13 suitable patients included 1 complete response and 5 partial responses.

CONCLUSION

Although the MTD level could not be definitively which is a established, upon consideration of the lengthy administration time and the effectiveness, the recommended Phase II dose of paclitaxel was concluded to be 80 mg/m2 in combination with doxifluridine at 533 mg/m2.

[Effective reduction of elevated tumor markers by exemestane--a 12-year follow-up of a case of bone metastatic breast cancer]

A 75-year-old woman with low back pain had attended a local orthopedic clinic since around December 1990, but no remission had been achieved. The patient also had a gait disturbance, and visited our hospital for detailed examinations in May 1992. Bone scintigraphy revealed metastatic tumors of L 1 and L 2. Histopathological findings and tumor marker measurements led to a diagnosis of primary breast cancer. The patient was treated with TAM (20 mg/day) and 5-FU (150 mg/day). The tumor marker levels showed repeated cycles of slight increases and decreases. Acute elevations of the tumor markers occurring on January 24, 1997, and January 5, 2001, were successfully treated with MPA (800 mg/day) and 5'-DFUR (600 mg/day), but continuous administration of these drugs was difficult because of their adverse effects. A significant increase in the tumor marker levels (CA15-3 600 U/ml, CEA 197 ng/ml) was again observed on December 2, 2003. The patient showed no favorable response to the combination of MPA and 5'-DFUR but had persistent back pain. Exemestane given at 25 mg/day markedly improved both clinical symptoms and tumor marker levels. The results indicate that exemestane would be an effective hormone therapy for metastatic breast cancer.

[Weekly paclitaxel administration and intraabdominal CBDCA injection possibly beneficial treatment for recurrent breast cancer associated with metastatic ovarian cancer and peritoneal dissemination after operation--a case report]

A 46-year-old woman who had received mastectomy for breast cancer 6 years earlier complained of abdominal distension. Computed tomography and ultrasonography revealed massive ascites and ovarian swelling of both sides. She was diagnosed as having primary ovarian cancer and peritoneal dissemination, and underwent a total hysterectomy as well as ovarectomy on both sides. After surgery, she received a sequential chemotherapy, ie, intraabdominal injection of carboplatin (CBDCA 300 mg/m2) and div administration of paclitaxel (PTX 180 mg/m2) as a standard regimen for advanced ovarian cancer. However, detailed histological examinations showed that the ovarian cancer had metastasized from her breast cancer. It is well-known that breast cancer easily metastasizes to the bone, liver, pleura and lymph node, but rarely to the ovarium or peritoneum when chemotherapy is conducted. Therefore, no standard therapy has been established for breast cancer metastasizing to the ovarium. Our patient received 4 cycles of weekly administration of PTX (PTX 80 mg/m2, 3 consecutive weeks, 1-week break), followed by oral administration of doxifluridine+anastrozole on an outpatient basis. No evidence of recurrence of breast cancer has been noted 1 year after surgery. This result suggests that weekly administration of PTX and intraabdominal injection of CBDCA might be beneficial in the treatment of recurrent breast cancer associated with metastatic ovarian cancer and peritoneal dissemination after operation.

Localized Hand-Foot Syndrome after Intra-Arterial Hepatic Chemotherapy with Floxuridine: A Clinical Case

Hand-foot syndrome is a toxic effect of some chemotherapy agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine and liposomal doxorubicin. The symptoms and signs are localized erythema and paresthesia. Floxuridine (FUDR) is an analogue of 5-FU, used for arterial hepatic infusion in patients affected by liver metastases from colorectal cancer. A patient who was treated for colorectal cancer with liver metastases underwent locoregional chemotherapy with FUDR and systemic chemotherapy with FOLFOX4. After three cycles he developed severe painful dermatitis of the right leg. Abdominal X-ray showed displacement of the catheter to the right common iliac artery. Treatment was discontinued and the patient had a rapid recovery.

A prospective randomized study of gemcitabine with doxifluridine versus paclitaxel with doxifluridine in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with paclitaxel-based CCRT in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 48 patients who had received no prior therapy were enrolled. The patients were treated with 4500 cGy radiation in 25 fractions over 5 weeks concomitant with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2)/week/intravenously (IV) and doxifluridine 600 mg/m(2)/day/by mouth (PO), or paclitaxel 50 mg/m(2)/week/IV and doxifluridine 600 mg/m(2)/day/PO. After a 4-week rest, the responses were evaluated and maintenance therapies (operation or chemotherapy) (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2)/week/IV and doxifluridine 600 mg/m(2)/day/PO) were conducted.

RESULTS

The median survival was 12 months in the gemcitabine group vs. 14 months in the paclitaxel group. The response rate was 13.6% vs. 25%, and the median time to progression was 12 months vs. 12.5 months, respectively. The positive rate of the clinical benefit response was 59.1% vs. 41.7%, respectively. Toxicities were acceptable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In this trial, we demonstrated that the gemcitabine-based CCRT and the paclitaxel-based CCRT in combination of doxifluridine are clearly acceptable treatment strategy, and appear more effective than the 5 fluorouracil-based CCRT for locally advanced pancreatic cancer with comparable tolerability. Furthermore, the paclitaxel-based CCRT showed similar efficacy and toxicities to the gemcitabine-based treatment when it was combined with 5-fluorouracil.

Advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination successfully treated with paclitaxel and doxifluridine: a case report

A 50-year-old female presenting with severe ascites and anemia and diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer was admitted to our hospital. Endoscopic examination revealed an edematous lesion with redness and a giant fold in the stomach with poor expansion. The histological examination of biopsy specimens from the edematous lesion revealed signet-ring-cell carcinoma. Computed tomography demonstrated a thickening of the gastric wall, severe ascites, and peritoneal dissemination in the Douglas pouch. Paclitaxel (70mg/m2) was administered to the patient on days 1, 8, and 15, with doxifluridine (533mg/m2) for five days per week, on a 28-day cycle. By completion of the first course of treatment, the ascites had disappeared, the tumor in the Douglas pouch had shrunk, and the thickening of the gastric wall had lessened. In addition, the fold in the stomach appeared by endoscopic examination to have resumed its normal thickness, no malignant cells were detected in a biopsy, and the thymidine phosphorylase activity in the tumor tissue was two-fold greater than that before chemotherapy. After three treatment courses, the number of apoptotic cells had apparently increased compared with the prechemotherapy number. The only adverse drug reactions that were observed were grade 2 alopecia and grade 1 myalgia. After thirteen courses of chemotherapy over the past one year, both primary and metastatic lesions seem to be regressing. This case study suggests that paclitaxel plus doxifluridine therapy is effective and well-tolerated in non-resectable gastric cancer patients.

Upregulation of thymidine phosphorylase in rectal cancer tissues by mitomycin C

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We have investigated the regulation by mitomycin C (MMC) of thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), which enhances or reduces the efficacy of capecitabine and its metabolite 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR), in rectal cancer tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 31 patients with a rectal cancer, tumor biopsies were performed before and after pre-operative venous administration of 4 mg/m2, 6 mg/m2, or 10 mg/m2 of MMC. The dThdPase and DPD levels in the biopsy and surgical specimens were measured using ELISA, and immunostaining for dThdPase was performed.

RESULTS

The fitting multiple linear regression models indicated that the dThdPase levels increased after MMC administration, in particular in the patients with a pre-treatment dThdPase level less than 56.2 U/mg protein (median value). The time course analysis indicated that the increase in the dThdPase level by 4 mg/m2 of MMC administration continued for 3 weeks. The dThdPase/DPD ratio was increased after MMC administration in patients with a pre-treatment dThdPase/DPD ratio less than 1.79 (median value). MMC enhanced the expression of dThdPase protein both in the tumor cells and in the stromal cells. The disease free-survival rate in the Dukes B or C patients with a high dThdPase/DPD ratio in surgical specimen who received 5'-DFUR based adjuvant chemotherapy tended to be higher than that in those with a low dThdPase/DPD ratio.

CONCLUSION

MMC may upregulate the dThdPase level and the dThdPase/DPD ratio in rectal cancer tissues. Combined use of MMC with capecitabine or 5'-DFUR may offer a more effective colorectal cancer therapy.

Comparative Antitumor Activity of 5-Fluorouracil and 5’-Deoxy-5-Fluorouridine in Combination with Interferon-α in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines

OBJECTIVES

Although interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) and interleukin-2 are used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the rate of efficacy is about 15% and not satisfactory. Therefore, a more effective treatment is being investigated. In this study, we examined the combined effects of IFNalpha and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as well as 5-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR), a produrg of 5-FU, in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four RCC cell lines (OCUU1, OCUU3, OCUU4, OCUU5) were established at our laboratory from RCC patients. OS-RC-2, RCC10RGB, TUHR14TKB, TUHR4TKB, A498 and Caki-1 were obtained from a commercial source. The sensitivity of the 10 RCC cell lines to 5-FU and 5'-DFUR was evaluated using MTT assay. The IC50 value for the cytostatics was expressed as the concentration at which growth was inhibited by 50% as compared with the control value. Thymidine phosphorylase (TP), the enzyme that converts 5'-DFUR into 5-FU and 5-FU into FdUMP, was estimated by ELISA.

RESULTS

When the 10 RCC cell lines were divided into the low TP expression group and high TP expression group at 2.0 U/ml protein, TP expression was not enhanced by IFNalpha in all 4 cell lines in the low TP expression group. Antitumor effects were not enhanced by IFNalpha in 3 out of 4 cell lines for 5-FU and in all 4 cell lines for 5'-DFUR. On the other hand, in the high TP expression group, TP expression was enhanced by IFNalpha in 5 out of 6 cell lines, and antitumor effects were enhanced by IFNalpha in 5 out of 6 cell lines for 5-FU and in all 6 cell lines for 5'-DFUR. In addition, there was a significant correlation between TP expression and sensitivity to 5-FU and 5'-DFUR in all RCC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that TP may be useful as a predictive factor in combination therapy with IFNalpha and 5-FU or 5'-DFUR, which may be a promising treatment for advanced RCC.

[Docetaxel (TXT), epirubicin (EPI) and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy for outpatients with locally advanced breast cancer]

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel (TXT), epirubicin (EPI) and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) in 5 patients with locally advanced breast cancer on an outpatient basis. Their mean age was 49.6 years, and preoperative stages were IIa: one case, IIb: two; and IlIb: two; respectively. The regimen consisted of 5'-DFUR (800 mg/day) orally for 14 consecutive days, and TXT (60 or 70 mg/m2) and EPI (50 or 60 mg/m2) intravenously on day 8. It was repeated 4 times every 3 weeks. Although the results revealed leucopenia and neutropenia of more than grade 3 in 4/5 patients, no other adverse events were observed. The use of G-CSF was necessary to maintain this regimen, and the patients could be treated on an outpatient basis. Breast conserving therapy was performed in two patients. Pathological findings revealed Grade 2 and 3 cytological degeneration in two and one patients, respectively, and parasternal lymph node metastasis in one, but no axillary lymph node metastasis. These findings suggested satisfactory effects of this neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. This combination chemotherapy without severe adverse events would be an alternative choice of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on an outpatient basis.

Gene expression profiles of colorectal carcinoma in response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy

The combination of irinotecan and a fluoropyrimidine has been widely accepted as a treatment for advanced colorectal carcinoma. However, there have been no evaluable data on the feasibility of these combinations. To assess the significance of such combinations, we attempted to identify gene expression patterns in response to irinotecan and two different types of fluoropyrimidines. In 12 patients dispositioned to receive preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal carcinoma, pre-therapy tumor biopsies and final resected specimens were available for analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following four regimens: (I), oral doxifluridine; (II), intravenous infusion of 5-FU; (III), intravenous infusion of irinotecan; (IV), combination of doxifluridine and irinotecan (I+III). To identify genes whose expressions changed, we analyzed the gene expression profiles prior to and after these therapies using an oligonucleotide microarray consisting of 12,000 genes. Next, we focused on the genes that demonstrated similar kinetics of altered expression in all patients in each of the regimens. We identified two proto-oncogenes, nuclear receptor of T-cells (NOT) and c-fos, that were up-regulated in doxifluridine- and irinotecan-related regimens but unchanged in the 5-FU-related regimen. Moreover, group IV tumors showed the highest apoptotic rate and lowest proliferation activity following the combined chemotherapy. These results suggest that doxifluridine has a synergistic impact on the therapeutic effect of irinotecan by up-regulating proto-oncogenes such as NOT and c-fos, and thus justify the use of one of the irinotecan and fluoropyrimidine combinations.

[Successful combination therapy with 5'-DFUR and MPA for breast cancer with spinal and vertebral metastases]

We report a case of breast cancer with spinal and vertebral lesions. A 49-year-old premenopausal woman with a left breast tumor was admitted to our hospital for acute weakness of the lower limbs and dysuria. She could neither stand nor walk. The tumor in the left breast was 5.0 cm in diameter with skin ulcer, and it was diagnosed as breast cancer. Magnetic resonance (MR) image showed multiple vertebral and spinal metastases from breast cancer. Chemotherapy, consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil (CAF) was initiated. Her symptoms dramatically changed for the better. She became able to walk and urinate. We performed palliative mastectomy after 3 cycles of CAF therapy. Histopathological findings of breast tumor showed scirrhous carcinoma. Although the estrogen and progesterone receptor status of primary tumor was negative, chemo-endocrine therapy, consisting of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) was given as daily therapy, and vertebral and spinal lesions were reduced. Her condition has remained stable for 4 years. For patients with metastatic breast cancer, complete remission is uncommon, and disease stabilization is a reasonable goal of successful therapy. In this respect, therapy with CAF, followed by MPA and 5'-DFUR, was successful in the patient.

[Current combination chemotherapy containing paclitaxel for advanced, recurrent gastric cancer]

5-FU has been a key chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. In order to enhance the effect of 5-FU, biochemical modulation or combination chemotherapy has been developed. Although several phase III studies were reported in the 1990s, a standard chemotherapeutic regimen has not been established worldwide. Recently, a newly developed anticancer agent, Paclitaxel, can be clinically used for advanced gastric cancer either as a single agent or in combination with such as 5-FU, cisplatin, and TS-1. It may well further improve the quality of life and prolong the survival of patients with gastric cancer. Further assessment for the well design phase III clinical trials will be necessary to establish the availability of such combination modalities for the treatment of advanced, recurrent gastric cancer.

[Combination therapy with Anastrozole and 5'-DFUR as a treatment for metastatic breast cancer]

For metastatic breast cancer patients who have hormone receptor-positive tumors, hormonal therapy aiming at optimal palliation and prolongation of life is the initial treatment of choice. To enhance the effect of hormonal monotherapy, a combination therapy with Anastrozole 1 mg po and 5'-DFUR 800 mg po daily was given to 11 patients with metastatic breast cancer. At a median follow-up period of 15 months, the overall response rate was 45.5%. The median duration of response in responders was 25 months. The overall median survival for the entire series was 15 months after the start of treatment. No patients complained of adverse events of grade 2 and over. This combination therapy with good response and little side effects is useful for metastatic breast cancer patients.

The efficacy of long-term oral chemotherapy with 5?-deoxy-5-fluorouridine and cyclophosphamide for recurrent breast cancer

BACKGROUND

5'-Deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is known to be converted by thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase). A recent preclinical study revealed that cyclophosphamide (CPA) upregulated dThdPase activity, specifically in tumor cells. The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of long-term administration of 5'-DFUR/CPA for patients with recurrent breast cancer.

METHODS

Fifteen breast cancer patients with recurrent tumors entered this study. Ten patients had bone metastasis, five had lung metastasis, and two had liver metastasis. Three patients had multiorgan metastases. All patients had had previous exposure to standard chemotherapy such as CAF (CPA, doxorubicin, and 5-FU) and CMF (CPA, methotrexate, and 5-FU). The patients were orally administered with daily doses of 5'-DFUR at 800-1200 mg and CPA at 200 mg for 2 weeks as induction therapy, followed by 2 weeks' rest (one to two cycles). Daily doses of 800 mg of 5'-DFUR and 100 mg of CPA (as maintenance therapy) were continuously administered thereafter. Ten of the 15 patients received the maintenance therapy alone. The treatment was continued for at least 24 months (average, 35.2 months).

RESULTS

The main findings included a significant decrease in pain in nine patients with bone metastasis, and this effect continued for more than 2 years. As the pain decreased, the patients' quality of life (QOL) was improved. Liver metastasis was diminished in two out of two patients. Hematological toxicity of more than grade 3 was recognized in three patients, but only during the induction therapy.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of 5'-DFUR/CPA is well tolerated and useful for patients with recurrent breast cancer.

[A case of long-term survival after chemo-radiation for postoperative local recurrence of rectal cancer]

The patient was a 64-year-old male who underwent an abdomino-perineal resection (D3) for advanced lower rectal carcinoma with a formulated vesicorectal abscess. The tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, type 2 in the Japanese Classification of Colorectal Carcinoma, and was measured 5.5x4.3 cm in size. Histologically, the tumor was considered to be stage II (H0, P0, a2, n0 (0/86), ly0, v0). He received a postoperative chemotherapy with oral UFT-E (400 mg/day) for 1 year. After 2 years from the surgery, the patient developed a perineal pain, and pelvic CT scans revealed a 4 cm mass anterior to the sacrum. The CEA level was increased to 11 ng/ml. Consequently, a diagnosis of local recurrence was made, and radiochemotherapy was commenced. Radiotherapy was given to the pelvic region at a total dose of 70 Gy (Given 2 Gy each x 35 fragments). Chemotherapy with CDDP and 5-FU was administered via the right internal iliac artery followed by administration of 5'-DFUR (600 mg/day). After that regimen, a recurrence of the pelvic tumor caused an increase in pain, and the patient developed renal failure. He died after 4 years and 10 months from the initial detection of recurrence. This report presents a case of local recurrence of advanced rectal carcinoma, in which we were able to achieve a long-term survival and improvement in QOL by an intensive multidisciplinary therapy.

[Effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy for three cases of squamous cell anal carcinoma]

We report three patients with squamous cell anal carcinoma who were treated by chemoradiotherapy. Case 1: A 62-year-old female with squamous cell anal carcinoma invading the vagina underwent a posterior pelvic exenteration. She had paraaortic lymph node metastases. She was treated by chemoradiotherapy with 5-FU/CDDP and external irradiation (50 Gy) as an adjuvant therapy, and survived for 5 years. Case 2: A 74-year-old female with anal squamous cell carcinoma Stage II was treated by chemoradiotherapy with tegafur/uracil, external irradiation (30 Gy) and interstitial irradiation (24 Gy). She is currently living without any signs of recurrence for 3 years and 8 months. Case 3: A 53-year-old female with anal squamous cell carcinoma Stage IIIa was treated by chemoradiotherapy using 5'-DFUR and external irradiation (66 Gy). She is currently living without any signs of recurrence for 1 year and 9 months. The prognosis of anal squamous cell carcinoma that received Cur B or C resection was extremely poor with a median survival time (MST) of 7 or 6 months. Chemoradiotherapy seems to be effective as the first line treatment.