Relief of jaundice by 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in petients with recurrent gastric cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid on liver function and bile production in patients with recurrent gastric cancer and jaundice. Thirteen patients were studied for liver function and hyperbilirubinaemia, and six patients were studied for bile production retrospectively, who were treated with 5-FU [700 mg m2] and folinic acid [20 mg m 2] for 4 days. Serum total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations all improved with treatment (P< 0.0001), and bile production increased significantly [P< 0.0001) following treatment. 5-FU and folinic acid can significantly improve jaundice and liver function, and promote bile production. It is possible that 5-FU and folinic acid may become a new method for the relief of jaundice in patients with gastrointestinal tract malignancies.