[Complete remission with FLEP chemotherapy for multiple liver metastasis from alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer--report of a case].

The patient was a 51-year-old male diagnosed with gastric cancer in July 1999 by endoscopic examination, revealing multiple liver metastasis with abdominal computed tomography (CT). The serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)were determined to be 91 ng/mL, and tumors were histopathologically identified as AFP-producing gastric cancer by immunohistological staining. We started combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin (LV), etoposide (VP-16) and cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) (designated as FLEP)in August 1999. The serum AFP value was normalized after two courses, and the liver metastases disappeared. The primary gastric tumor became a ulcer, and disappearance of the cancer was confirmed histologically. We continued adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 as an outpatient. In April 2000, there was no sign of the liver metastases, but endoscopic examination showed IIc-like lesion in the stomach. We performed 2 courses of FLEP, but the tumor did not disappear. He underwent total gastrectomy with D2 dissection in June 2001. The pathological diagnosis was por 1, ss, ly2, v1, n(1+). He was still alive with no sign of recurrence 84 months after surgery. We experienced this AFP-producing gastric cancer in which CR was possible by FLEP. There was no recurrence after total gastrectomy for local recurrence.