Effect of XELOX on functional ability among elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Results from the FNCLCC/GERICO 02 phase II study
Abstract Objectives This study investigated the effect of capecitabine–oxaliplatin (XELOX) on functional independence in patients aged ≥70years with histologically proven metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Materials and methods Patients received capecitabine 750mg/m 2 bid d1–14+oxaliplatin 90mg/m 2 d1, every 3weeks; doses were increased to 1000 and 120mg/m 2 , respectively, in the absence of significant toxicity. The primary endpoint was stabilization/improvement of Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Results Sixty patients were enrolled. ADL was stabilized/improved in 36/40 patients (90%) after 3cycles, and in 25/27 patients (93%) after 6cycles. Capecitabine and oxaliplatin doses were increased in 31% of patients. The objective response rate was 37% (1 complete and 21 partial responses). Toxicity included grade 3/4 diarrhea (13%), neurotoxicity (grade 1/2 in 68%, grade 3/4 in 2%), and grade 3/4 anemia (7%). Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of XELOX in elderly mCRC patients, with no impairment of independence among patients who remained on therapy.