Advanced colorectal cancer in elderly patients: tolerance and efficacy of leucovorin and fluorouracil bolus plus continuous infusion.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence increases sharply with age. In this study we assessed activity, toxicity and both the activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) of the De Gramont schedule in a series of advanced CRC patients aged > or = 70 years.
Patients and Methods: Sixty-two previously untreated advanced 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 toxicity, 55 for response and ADL-IADL indexes. We recorded 2 complete and 9 partial 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 patients. Treatment was very well-tolerated with no serious hematological or non-hematological toxicities.
Conclusions: The De Gramont schedule was very well tolerated in advanced CRC elderly patients, although our work could not confirm the original reported activity. ADL and IADL indexes improved or remained stable in 82% of evaluable patients.