New Xeloda Combination Allows Patients with Stomach Cancer to Live Significantly Longer

07-Jun-2006

Results of the largest-ever phase III study in advanced oesophagogastric cancer, the REAL 2 study, reveal that Xeloda can replace 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin can replace cisplatin for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced oesophagogastric (oesophagus and stomach) cancer.

The standard treatment for this disease in the UK and much of Europe is the combination of epirubicin, cisplatin and 5-FU (known as ECF). In addition, the trial showed that patients treated with the combination of Xeloda plus oxaliplatin and epirubicin (known as 'EOX') live significantly longer, compared to patients treated with standard ECF chemotherapy. ECF is administered to patients via an infusion pump connected to their arm -- lasting all day and night, every day of the week, for the entire duration of their treatment. Oral Xeloda frees the patient from this schedule, is more convenient and provides greater patient autonomy.

A second study, presented by lead investigator Prof. Y K Kang of the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea, confirms that Xeloda can also effectively replace the old standard intravenous 5-FU, in combination with cisplatin, as first-line therapy for stomach cancer.

According to Roche, Xeloda in combination with other chemotherapy drugs is therefore an effective, safe, simpler and more convenient treatment option for stomach and oesophageal cancer patients compared to standard treatments.

Roche is filing for an indication in advanced stomach cancer with worldwide regulatory authorities, based on the results of the study presented by Prof. Y K Kang.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/55349/new-xeloda-combination-allows-patients-with-stomach-cancer-to-live-significantly-longer.html