AIM:To evaluate the effects and safety of combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and S-1 (SOX regimen) in older patients with advanced gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA). METHODS: Seventy patients with advanced GCA were classified according to age into an older group (≥ 75 years) and a control group (< 75 years). The SOX regimen was administered to the two groups as follows: S-1 (40 mg/m2 po bid) on days 1 to 14 followed by a 7-d off period, plus L-OHP (65 mg/m2 iv) for 2 h on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle. This regimen was repeat-ed for four to six cycles. Response and swallow statuses were evaluated after two cycles (6 wk). Effects and toxicity were evaluated four weeks after chemotherapy was completed. RESULTS: The response rate was 65.6% (21/32) in the older group and 68.4% (26/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.062 and P = 0.804). Improvement in swallowing was 78.1% (25/32) in the older group and 76.3% (29/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.032 and P = 0.857). Effi cacy was 68.8% (22/32) in the older group and 65.8% (25/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.069 and P = 0.793). Toxicities were reversible and similar in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The SOX regimen is an effective, safe and well-tolerated regimen for older patients with advanced GCA. AIM: To evaluate the effects and safety of combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and S-1 (SOX regimen) in older patients with advanced gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA). METHODS: Seventy patients with advanced GCA were classified according to age The SOX regimen was administered to the two groups as follows: S-1 (40 mg / m2 po bid) on days 1 to 14 followed by a 7-d off period, plus L-OHP (65 mg / m2 iv) for 2 h on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle. This regimen was repeated-ed for four to six cycles. RESULTS: The response rate was 65.6% (21/32) in the older group and 68.4% (26/38) in the control group ( χ2 = 0.062 and P = 0.804). Improvement in swallowing was 78.1% (25/32) in the older group and 76.3% (29/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.032 and P = 0.857). Effi cac y was 68.8% (22/32) in the older group and 65.8% (25/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.069 and P = 0.793). Toxicities were both reversible and similar in both groups (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION : The SOX regimen is an effective, safe and well-tolerated regimen for older patients with advanced GCA.