The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of S-1 plus low-dose cisplatin for stage IIIB and stage IIIC gastric cancer patients after D2 gastrectomy.

The study group comprised of 52 patients. In the first cycle, S-1 (80 mg/m(2)) was administered daily for 3 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest; low-dose cisplatin (10 mg) was administered on days 1-5 and 8-12. In the second and third cycles, S-1 was administered alone.

Overall survival was 47.0 months for stage IIIB patients and 24.0 months for stage IIIC (p=0.038). Disease-free survival was 17.0 and 16.0 months respectively (p=0.739). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 20 patients (38.5%). Multivariate analysis identified stage IIIC as independent prognostic factor for survival.

Our treatment was manageable and safe for stage IIIB or stage IIIC patients. Stage IIIC gastric cancer portends an especially poor prognosis following D2 gastrectomy.