A Phase II Study of Paclitaxel, UFT, and Leucovorin in Patients With Metastatic Esophageal Cancer

INCLUSION Histologic proof of esophageal cancer No more than one prior non-taxane chemotherapy regimen for either treatment of localized disease or metastatic disease AND they may not have received a regimen containing low dose continuous infusion of 5-FU (i.e. >5 days of infusion/cycle), capecitabine or UFT No prior therapy with UFT+/-leucovorin, a taxane, capecitabine, low dose continuous infusion of 5-FU or ethynyl uracil. Radiographic or physical examination documentation of metastatic disease No major surgery within the 2 weeks preceding the start of treatment and fully recovered from any complications of surgery No radiation within 2 weeks of beginning chemotherapy. No chemotherapy within 4 weeks of beginning treatment. Patients must wait at least 6 weeks after receiving BCNU or Mitomycin-C. Minimum life expectancy of 3 months Informed consent given Laboratory values within limits set by study. EXCLUSION More than one prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic disease Current serious medical or psychiatric illness that would prevent informed consent or intensive treatment >grade 1 peripheral sensory or motor neuropathy Pregnant Patient is taking the drug Sorivudine