Capecitabine plus gemcitabine in thymic epithelial tumors: final analysis of a Phase II trial

A multi-institutional Phase II trial was initiated in 2005 to test the combination gemcitabine and capecitabine in patients with thymic epithelial malignancies (TETs).Patients with histologic confirmation of TET diagnosis by central review who had received >1 systemic chemotherapy treatment were included. Patients received oral capecitabine (650 mg/mq twice daily on days 1-14) and intravenous gemcitabine (1000 mg/mq on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks).Of the 30 patients included (18 men, 12 women; median age: 57 years, range: 48-61 years), the majority (73%) had thymoma, and the remaining thymic carcinoma. Eight patients developed grade 3-4 neutropenia. A total of 12 patients had a response. Median progression-free survival was 11 months (range: 6.5-16.5).Capecitabine and gemcitabine is highly active in TETs.