Metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin treatment with vinorelbine; gemcetabine and methotrexate

ABSTRACT

cancer of unknown primary site [UPS] is a common clinical entity; account for 5-10% of all cancer patients. Purpose: to evaluate the natural history; results of systemic treatment in patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin. Patients and methods: Sample of 30 patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary site [UPS] treated between March 2001 and February 2002 in Saddam University Hospital with the following regimen; administrated every 2 weeks vinorelbine 50 mg/m2 on day I and 7; gemcetabine 1000 mg/m2 on day I and methotrexate 50 mg/m2 on day 1 and 7; the treatment continue for a total of six courses in responding patients. most of 30 patients of the study group were in middle age; with male to female 1.31 and adenocarcinoma were forming 66.6% of the histological types. The major site of tumor involvement was intraabdominal [liver and peritoneum], [50%]. Peritoneal aspiration was yielding in 43.3%. Partial, complete and overall response were 43,3%, 17% and 60% respectively. In general, this regimen was well tolerated. Although the sample size was small this study shows that the patients with metastatic UPS had good overall response to the combination of vinerelbine; gemcetabine and methotrexate