Management of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown origin: a Southwest Oncology Group study

Cancer Treat Rep. 1983 Jan;67(1):77-9.

Abstract

The Southwest Oncology Group evaluated 51 patients with a histologic diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma and an occult primary tumor. Even though all patients received an extensive diagnostic evaluation, only six (12%) primary sites were found. Thirty-six patients whose primary tumor sites remained occult were randomized to receive either 5-FU or combination chemotherapy (5-FU, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide [FAC]). There were no responses in either group. The median survival with 5-FU was 105 days and with FAC was 95 days. Toxicity with FAC was more common and more severe.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage*
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage*
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage*
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nausea / chemically induced
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Prognosis
  • Random Allocation

Substances

  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Fluorouracil