First-line bolus IFL and second-line FOLFOX: A retrospective review of two hundred thirty patients
13555 Introduction: The IFL regimen (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil bolus and leucovorin) is active in metastatic colorectal cancer. Early treatment-related deaths in N9741 led to the utilization of a dose-reduced schema. An infusional regimen (FOLFIRI) replaced IFL because of superior tolerability. FOLFOX can be used as second-line therapy in patients treated previously with IFL. Methods: A retrospective review was performed at the British Columbia Cancer Agency to evaluate both the safety and outcome of all patients given IFL as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Data on second-line FOLFOX was also collected. Between March 31/2002 and April 1/2004, 230 patients were treated. Results: The mean number of IFL cycles delivered was 4.6 (18 doses) for a mean duration of 7.1 months. Toxicity was manageable with only 1 treatment-related death. 17% of patients had grade 3/4 toxicities that included neutropenia and diarrhea. Only 6% of patients required hospitalization during IFL treatment. The median survival of the entire group was 16.6 months (95% CI 14.3–18.6). One hundred twelve patients received second-line therapy. Forty-nine of these patients (44%) received infusional oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX 6) as second-line therapy. 27% had grade 3/4 toxicities and 10% required hospitalization. The median survival of these patients was 25.2 months (95% CI 20.1–30.3). Conclusion: This population-based study demonstrated that bolus IFL played a significant role in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and had a manageable toxicity profile. Lastly, the sequence of IFL followed by FOLFOX resulted in a very meaningful patient survival of over 25 months. No significant financial relationships to disclose.