[A comparative study of UFT enteric-coated granules with UFT capsules on the occurrence of side effects in patients with head and neck cancers--a special attention to the upper gastrointestinal tract disorders].

A comparative study on the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects between UFT enteric-coated granules (UE) and UFT capsules (UC) was made by crossover method in 50 patients with head and neck cancer who were treated by these drugs as a surgical and/or radiation adjuvant chemotherapy. UE was significantly low in the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal side effects; remarkably low in such side effects as nausea and vomiting, in particular. On the other hand, there was little difference between UE and UC in the occurrence of such side effects as diarrhea, stomatitis, dry mouth and hematotoxic signs. The present result suggests that UE is clinically useful for treating the patients with cancer, with less occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects.