The Dragon II Protocol is a clinical trial regimen designed to treat Advanced Gastric Cancer (AGC) at a high risk of peritoneal recurrence, combining targeted, localized chemotherapy with systemic treatment.
The protocol’s primary goal is to increase 5-year Progression-Free Survival (PFS) by 15% and decrease the Peritoneal Metastasis Rate (PMR) after curative intent gastrectomy. Key Components of the Dragon II Regimen
The Dragon II protocol introduces an innovative, comprehensive approach, combining localized, pre-operative treatment with traditional chemotherapy:
NLHIPEC (Neoadjuvant Laparoscopic Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy): The protocol begins with one cycle of NLHIPEC, treating the area with 80 mg/m² of Paclitaxel for 60 minutes at 43 ± 0.5 °C.
NAC (Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy): Following NLHIPEC, patients receive 3 cycles of SOX regimen (Oxaliplatin and S-1) to reduce tumor size and down-stage the cancer.
Surgery and Intraoperative HIPEC: After assessment, patients undergo standard R0 D2 gastrectomy combined with intraoperative HIPEC, which helps manage potential cancer cell dissemination during surgery.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy: The protocol is completed with 5 additional cycles of the SOX regimen. Target Patient Population
The trial focuses on patients with specific characteristics to optimize the results of this combined approach: Age: 18–75 years old. Performance Status: ECOG score ≤ 2.
Cancer Stage: Primary Gastric Cancer (GC) with lesions infiltrating the serosal layer (T4).
Suitability: Patients must have normal bone marrow, liver, and renal functions. Expected Outcomes
The Dragon II study aims to provide improved management of peritoneal metastasis, particularly for patients with a high risk of occult peritoneal carcinomatosis or peritoneal free cancer cells.
If you are looking for clinical trial locations in the Maryland area or
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more dragon II trial – PubMed
Leave a Reply