A case of complete regression of gastric carcinoma and liver metastases by treatment with tegafur

: The patient was a 70-year-old man who had complained of epigastric discomfort since March 1980. In April his liver was found to be enlarged on examination by his family doctor, and he was referred to our hospital. By X-ray and endoscopic examination a carcinoma of Borrmann type 2 was found in the lesser curvature of the body of the stomach. Biopsy of the tumor disclosed papillotubular adenocarcinoma. multiple liver metastases were demonstrated by computed tomography. From May 1980 tegafur (FT-207, 750 mg) in the from of a suppository was given daily. During the course of endoscopic follow-up the shape of the gastric carcinoma changed to one of an irregular shallow ulceration and biopsy failed to reveal cancer cells in August 1980. In April 1981 only an ulcer scar remained in the stomach. In February 1981 computed tomography showed small low-density areas in the liver, but these had completely disappeared by June 1982. Starting in August 1980, tegafur suppository was given on alternate days until June 1984. By this time there had been no recurrence of the carcinoma either in the liver or in the stomach, and the chemotherapy was discontinued. By the WHO standard for cancer chemotherapy this patient therefore corresponds to the class of complete response.