Phase II Trial Alternating FOLFOX-6 and FOLFIRI Regimens in Second-Line Therapy of Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (FIREFOX Study)

Abstract

We assessed a schedule alternating 4 FOLFOX and 4 FOLFIRI cycles in 39 patients with 5-FU resistant metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients alternatively received 4 FOLFOX-6 cycles (oxaliplatin 100 mg/m², leucovorin 200 mg/m² d1 followed by bolus 400 mg/m² 5-FU and by a 46-hour 2,400 mg/m² 5-FU infusion, every 2 weeks), and 4 FOLFIRI cycles (oxaliplatin replaced by irinotecan 180 mg/m² d1) until progression or limiting toxicity. Eigteen patients achieved an objective response (46.1 percent). Median progression-free and overall survivals were 8.8 and 18.7 months, respectively. Only 2 patients (5.1 percent) had Grade 3 oxaliplatin-related sensory-neuropathy. This schedule had so promising efficacy and safety.

Keywords:

• Colorectal cancer
• Oxaliplatin
• Irinotecan
• Neurotoxicity.