METHYL-CCNU VERSUS METHYL-CCNU AND 5-FLUOROURACIL IN CARCINOMA OF LARGE BOWEL

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and methyl-CCNU [1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea] demonstrated separate sensitivities in carcinoma of the large bowel. This study was an attempt to see if methyl-CCNU vs. methyl-CCNU plus 5-FU would demonstrate different responses in advanced colorectal carcinoma. Forty-nine patients were evaluated, 14 receiving methyl-CCNU and 35 receiving 5-FU plus methyl-CCNU. One partial response was seen with methyl-CCNU alone in a patient with liver metastases. Thirteen partial responses were noted in patients treated with the 2-drug combination. There was a significant difference in the median survival of the responders vs. the nonresponders for the 2-drug group. Side effects were as expected: nausea and vomiting, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen and urine arylsuflatase were measured in all patients and correlated well with response.