Phase i study of definitive radio-chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and cetuximab for unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer

Background/Aim: Prognoses of patients receiving radio-chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin for unresectable esophageal cancer may be improved with the addition of cetuximab. This phase I study aimed to define the maximum tolerated dose of 5-FU when combined with cisplatin, cetuximab and radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: Treatment included 59.4 Gy of radiotherapy concurrently with two courses of cisplatin (20 mg/m2, d1-4) and 5-FU (dose level 0: 500 mg/m2, dose level 1: 750 mg/m2, d1-4; dose level 2: 1,000 mg/m2, d1-4), followed by two courses of chemotherapy. Cetuximab was given for 14 weeks (400 mg/m2 loading dose followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly). Results: At dose level 1 (n=3) and 2 (n=3), no patient experienced a dose-limiting toxicity. Minor treatment modifications were due to organization or request by physicians/patients. At dose level 2, only five grade 3 adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Dose level 2 appears safe and is used in a subsequent randomized phase II study.