A pilot study of protracted venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil and concomitant radiation therapy.

Abstract
A method to potentially increase the effectiveness of combination 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and radiation therapy (XRT) using protracted (> 30 days) venous infusion (PVI) of 5-FU with conventionally fractionated XRT (180-200 cGy [centigrays]/day) 100 cGy = 100 rad) is described. Forty-one patients were treated with this combination with acceptable acute toxicity. In 95% of patients, the toxicity was mild or moderate and symptom control was achieved with medications or a short treatment interruption. In 2 patients (5%), severe gastrointestinal side effects resulted in cessation of all therapy. This method of administration of 5-FU is feasible and can be safely used with a course of conventionally fractionated, high-dose (.simeq. 6500 cGy) radiation therapy.