Abstract:
Objective To analyze the efficacy of paclitaxel plus capecitabine against advanced gastric cancer with different HER-2 status.
Method A total of 45 advanced gastric cancer cases, as confirmed through histopathology, treated in our department since June 2010 were enrolled into the study. Up to 20 cases were included in the HER-2 (+) group and 25 were included in the HER-2 (-) group. All patients received paclitaxel plus capecitabine chemotherapy (175 mg/m2 paclitaxel on and 2 g/m2 capecitabine on d 1 for 14 d to 21 d per cycle). In all cases, the efficacy and toxicity of the chemotherapy were determined at least after two cycles, according to the RECIST criteria.
Results The 45 patients were evaluated for efficacy and adverse reactions. In the HER-2 (+) group, 5 cases achieved complete remission (CR), 8 achieved partial remission (PR), 4 had stable disease (SD), and 3 cases had progressive disease (PD). In the HER-2 (-) group, 0 cases achieved CR, 10 achieved PR, 7 had SD, and 8 cases had PD (Kruskal-Wallis H test, P = 0.026).
Conclusion HER-2 receptor expression is related to the sensitivity of paclitaxel in advanced gastric cancer. The efficacy of the treatment in the HER-2 (+) group is better than that in the HER-2 (-) group. The results contradict previous in vitro findings. HER-2 may be an ideal means of transporting anticancer drugs.