A Case of Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Dissemination Responding to Combination Chemotherapy with Weekly Paclitaxel and Doxifluridine

Abstract

A 61-year-old male presented with weight loss, appetite loss, and vomiting. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed advanced gastric cancer, type 5, which was diagnosed as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) showed hugely enlarged lymph nodes (No.3, 4d, 6, 7, 8). Peritoneal dissemination was found at laparotomy. He was treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of weekly paclitaxel and doxifluridine. Paclitaxel was administered at a dose of 80mg/m² on days 1 and 8 and doxifluridine was administered orally at a dose of 533mg/m²/day for 5 days followed by withdrawal for 2 days. After 12 courses of treatment, gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a reduction in the gastric wall thickening. CT showed a reduction in the lymph nodes. Since laparoscopic observation showed no peritoneal dissemination, a total gastrectomy and lymph node dissection was performed successfully.