19629 Background: The prognosis of advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients, especially those with poor PS, is generally dismal. Needless to say, such patients are ineligible for participation in clinical studies. However, there are many patients with poor PS who wish to receive chemotherapy. Methods: From June 2000 to October 2006, a total of 508 patients with advanced cancer, including 304 gastrointestinal cancer patients, were treated by chemotherapy in our hospital. Of these, 110 gastrointestinal cancer patients (gastric=35, colorectal=30, pancreatic=26, biliary tract=11, esophageal=8) had poor PS (ECOG PS 3 = 68 patients, PS 4 = 42 patients). In 103 patients with at least one measurable lesion, a partial response according to RECIST criteria was obtained in 13 patients (12.6%). In 60 patients with ascites (47 patients), pleural effusion (25 patients), or both (12 patients), 11 of the patients (18.3%) achieved decreased fluid accumulation. A decline in tumor markers (>25%) was observed in 28 patients. Improvement in PS was seen in 13 patients (11.8%). As a result, 35 patients (31.8 %, including 9 patients with PS 4) achieved a tumor response, a decrease in accumulated fluid, or a decline in tumor markers, which resulted in a survival benefit compared to the other 75 patients without effect (6.4 months vs. 2.3 months, p<0.001). Alleviation of some symptoms was observed in 28 out of 98 symptomatic patients (30.4%). A better response and/or a decline in tumor markers significantly correlated with alleviation of symptoms (p<0.001). No treatment related death was seen. Conclusions: With regard to response rate, chemotherapy was rarely effective for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer with poor PS. However, more than a few patients gained a certain survival benefit and alleviation of symptoms. Thus, chemotherapy may be warranted in cases of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer who wish to receive chemotherapy despite the low possibility of response. No significant financial relationships to disclose.