A case report of colon cancer with liver and lung metastases responding to combination chemotherapy with l-LV, 5-fluorouracil and CPT-11

A 58-year-old man who had colon cancer with liver and multiple lung metastases underwent ileocecal resection on May 10, 2002. MTT assay of 5-FU and CPT-11 was performed with resected material, with both medicines accepted for sensitivity. On June 4, he received combination chemotherapy with CPT-11 + 5-FU/l-LV. The liver metastasis disappeared and was judged CR from a CT of the abdomen. Almost all the multiple lung metastases had disappeared or were decreased in size. They were therefore judged NC from a CT of the chest. Moreover, CEA and CA19-9 decreased to within normal limits. While he was receiving bimonthly chemotherapy with only CPT-11 as a maintenance therapy, liver and lung metastases did not change. Combination chemotherapy with CPT-11 + 5-FU/l-LV is effective. The anticancer drug sensitivity examination is only one index, however. Considering adverse effects and medical costs, individualized therapy based on the sensitivity test for anticancer drugs should be performed.