Clinical study of combined use of tomudex (raltitrexed) and xeloda (capecitabine) as first-line treatment for patients with metastasizing colorectal cancer.

We studied the efficiency of combined chemotherapy with tomudex and xeloda preparations in patients with metastasizing colorectal cancer. The treatment (240 courses) was effective in 75% patients. Time median before progression was 6.3 months, mean durations of partial remission and stabilization were 7.8 months, total survival 15.5 months, total survival after effective treatment was 18.2 months. The most prevalent manifestations of III-IV degree toxicity were neutropenia, diarrhea, and asthenia. Other symptoms of toxicity (increased transaminase level, bilirubin, nausea, vomiting) were observed in less than 3% courses. Thus, treatment with tomudex and xeloda are effective and safe for outpatient chemotherapy.