In an ongoing trial of oral etoposide in patients with advanced, measurable, previously untreated gastric carcinoma, 18 patients have been registered. The starting dose is 50 mg/m2/d given for 21 days, followed by a rest period of 7 days. Courses are repeated every 28 days. Among 16 evaluable patients, it is too early for response evaluation in two patients and three others have achieved a partial response. Responses have occurred in liver, lymph node, and lung metastases. Tolerance to therapy has been acceptable, with mild granulocytopenia being the most prominent toxicity. The study continues to accrue patients. Our preliminary data suggest that oral etoposide is active against gastric carcinoma. Future studies combining oral etoposide with other active agents would be of interest.