Therapeutic effects of combined oxaliplatin and S-1 in older patients with advanced gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma

AIM:To evaluate the effects and safety of combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and S-1 (SOX regimen) in older patients with advanced gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA). METHODS: Seventy patients with advanced GCA were classified according to age into an older group (≥ 75 years) and a control group (< 75 years). The SOX regimen was administered to the two groups as follows: S-1 (40 mg/m2 po bid) on days 1 to 14 followed by a 7-d off period, plus L-OHP (65 mg/m2 iv) for 2 h on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle. This regimen was repeated for four to six cycles. Response and swallow statuses were evaluated after two cycles (6 wk). Effects and toxicity were evaluated four weeks after chemotherapy was completed. RESULTS: The response rate was 65.6% (21/32) in the older group and 68.4% (26/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.062 and P = 0.804). Improvement in swallowing was 78.1% (25/32) in the older group and 76.3% (29/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.032 and P = 0.857). Efficacy was 68.8% (22/32) in the older group and 65.8% (25/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.069 and P = 0.793). Toxicities were reversible and similar in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The SOX regimen is an effective, safe and well-tolerated regimen for older patients with advanced GCA.