Comparison of short-term efficacy and safety of TIROX and DCF regimens for advanced gastric cancer

Abstract

Objective To compare the short-term efficacy and safety profile of the S-1 + irinotecan + oxaliplatin (TIROX) and docetaxel + cisplatin + flurouracil (DCF) anticancer regimens in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods Patients with recurrent or metastatic gastric cancer diagnosed by pathology were randomly divided into two groups to receive six cycles of either the TIROX regimen (21-day cycle) or the DCF regimen (21-day cycle). After six chemotherapy cycles, the short-term efficacy was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines and adverse reactions were recorded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria 2.0 standards. Results A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The response rate (complete response + partial response) was significantly higher in the TIROX group (18/30 patients; 60.0%) compared with the DCF group (10/30 patients; 33.3%). The rates of grade III–IV leucopenia and neurotoxicity were significantly higher in the TIROX group than the DCF group. Conclusion The TIROX regimen was effective for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, but it was associated with leucopenia and neurotoxicity.