Advanced colorectal cancer in elderly patients: Tolerance and efficacy of lencovorin and fluorouracil bolus plus continuous infusion

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence increases sharply with age. I n this study we assessed activity, toxicity and both the activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) of the De Gra mont schedule in a series of advanced CRC patients aged greater than or equ al to 70 years. Patients and methods. Sixty-two previously untreated advanc ed CRC patients entered the study. Median age was 75 (range 70-88). Results . 447 courses were delivered. All of the 62 patients were evaluable for tox icity, 55 for response and ADL-IADL indexes. We recorded 2 complete and 9 p artial responses, for an overall response rate of 20%. ADL and IADL indexes improved in 33%, remained stable in 49% and worsened in 18% of evaluable p atients. Treatment was very well-tolerated with no serious hematological or non-hematological toxicities. Conclusions. The De Gramont schedule was ver y well tolerated in advanced CRC elderly patients, although our work could l not confirm the original reported activity ADL and IADL indexes improved or remained stable in 82% of evaluable patients.