Background/aim: Although high response rates using the doublet-chemotherapy of oxaliplatin and irinotecan as well as its combination with cetuximab in advanced gastric cancer were shown in previous trials, time to progression was short, suggesting acquired chemotherapy resistance.
Patients and methods: Sequential chemotherapy (oxaliplatin and irinotecan followed by docetaxel) combined with bevacizumab was investigated in the GASTRIC-3 trial. Patients achieving at least stable disease were continued on maintenance bevacizumab.
Results: Objective response rate was available in 33 patients: Complete response (CR) 12.1%, partial response (PR) 39.4%, stable disease (SD) 27.3%. Median time to progression was 7.0 months (95%CI=5.0-11.0) and median overall survival was 11 months (95%CI=9.0-15.0). Of note, two patients continue to receive bevacizumab maintenance therapy for more than 5 years with ongoing CR.
Conclusion: Combining sequential chemotherapy with oxaliplatin/irinotecan and docetaxel with bevacizumab followed by bevacizumab maintenance is feasible and clinically active in advanced gastric cancer.
Keywords: Gastric cancer; bevacizumab; maintenance.
Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.