Clinical Study Of The Combination Of Epirubicin, Oxaliplatin And Capecitabine (EOX) As Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy For Advanced Gastric Cancer

Objective:To observe the curative effects and safety of treating advanced gastric cancer with combined epirubicin oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (EOX) .Methods: Forty-five patients with advanced gastric cancer received up to three cycles of epirubicin (60mg/ m~2 i.v., day 1),oxaliplatin (85mg/m~2i.v.,day1), capecitabine (1000mg/m~2 p.o., bid, day 1- 14).Then operation followed one week after the chemotherapy .To observe the curative effects,clinical profit and toxic reactions.Result: Forty-five patients were treated,3 cases achieved CR(6.7%)and 20 PR (44.4%),with response rate(CR+PR) of 51.1%(23/45). The ultrasonic endoscope and CT show visible minification of the tumor size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological staging also degraded.The R0 resection rate was 71.1%(32),7cases achieved R1and 5 R2,1 case failed to be operated because of metastasis to liver(M1). Neither operative morbidity nor postoperative mortality was noted.The main toxic side effects included nausea and vomiting;leucocytopenia; hand-foot syndrome; neurotoxicity;abnormality of hepatic function;oral mucosa inflammation; chest distress and cardiopalmus and diarrhea.Gradeâ…¢leucocytopenia was found only in 2 cases, Gradeâ…¢nausea and vomiting was found only in 1 case.No Gradeâ…£side effect was found.Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with epirubicin combined oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (EOX) is effective , safe and well tolerated. The R0 resection rate is encouraging.