Long‐term ambulatory treatment of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma by continuous intravenous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil

Abstract

To delineate the efficacy of continuous intravenous 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) infusion therapy for advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma, a study of 36 patients with measurable metastatic disease was conducted. Patients received a daily intravenous infusion of 300 mg/m² 5‐FU over a 24‐h period utilizing portable infusion devices and central venous catheters. In a population characterized by substantial pretreatment exposure to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other indicators of poor prognosis, 13/36 (36%) patients achieved an objective response. An additional 10/36 (28%) patients manifested stable disease (no change) and experienced survival comparable to. that of patients with objective response. Toxicity was minimal; patients were able to continue 5‐FU infusions 95% of the total time on protocol. There were no adverse hematologic effects or catheter complications. Because previously untreated patients benefited more frequently (positive response, 50%), continuous intravenous infusion should be evaluated further as a primary modality option when 5‐fluorouracil antitumor chemotherapy is contemplated.