Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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A combination of irinotecan with continuous intravenous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) is often used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. However, recent concerns about safety and convenience have prompted the development of new oral fluoropyrimidine derivatives and improved regimens. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 plus irinotecan in patients with previously untreated advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. ⋯ Combined treatment with S-1 and irinotecan is an effective, well tolerated, and convenient regimen in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Our findings suggest that combined treatment with S-1 and irinotecan is a promising regimen, offering benefits in terms of safety and survival as compared with conventional regimens in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.