Continuous non chronomodulated infusion of floxuridine in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC): report of 17 cases.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: MRCC responds poorly to usual treatments. Recently floxuridine (FUDR) has been administered by chronomodulated infusion, obtaining interesting results. In order to simplify the infusion, we used continuous non chronomodulated infusion. METHODS: We treated 17 patients affected by MRCC with continuous non chronomodulated infusion of FUDR. Toxicity was evaluated according to WHO criteria. Responses were recorded as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). RESULTS: Sixty-four courses of therapy were administered; 15/17 patients, treated with a median of 4 cycles, were evaluable for the response. Only 1 patient showed a grade 3 toxicity (mucositis and diarrhoea); 6 patients showed grade 1-2 diarrhoea; 2 grade 1-2 nausea and vomiting; 1 grade 2 anaemia and thrombocytopenia. No patient obtained CR; 2 PR (lasting 7 and 9 months respectively) and 4 SD (lasting 4,5,6 and 9 months) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience continuous non chronomodulated infusion of FUDR did not show important general toxicity. The observed responses were not good enough. We think that a better selection of patients (good performance status) and the use of FUDR in an earlier stage of disease, can obtain better results.