[ACNU and methyl-CCNU in combination chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: a randomized comparative study. Shanghai ACNU Collaborative Study Group]

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare the efficacy between a combined chemotherapy of ACNU (Nimustine hydrochloride, brand name Nidran), a new nitrosourea agent, and a combined chemotherapy of methyl-CCNU for advanced gastric cancer. One hundred and three cases of advanced gastric cancer were randomly allocated into Group A (Me-CCNU, 5-Fu and ADM) and Group B (ACNU, 5-Fu and ADM). The results showed that in Group A there was no CR or PR, while in Group B, although no CR, there were 8 PR (8/64 cases), denoting the response rate of 0% in Group A and 17.4% in Group B. The median survival period in Group A was 108 days and in Group B 112 days. Both groups well tolerated the treatment and there were no serious adverse effects. Quality of life (QOL) was better in Group B than in Group A. It is concluded that ACNU combination is superior to Me-CCNU combination for advanced gastric cancer.