NewsRx.com
May 18, 2006
Gemcitabine-resistant metastatic pancreatic cancer could be treated by raltitrexed-eloxatin salvage chemotherapy.
According to recent research from Italy, "Limited information on salvage treatment in patients affected by pancreatic cancer is available. At failure, about half of the patients present good performance status (PS) and are candidate for further treatment."
"Patients >18 years, PSgreater than or equal to50, with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma previously treated with gemcitabine-containing chemotherapy, and progression-free survival (PFS) -2) and oxaliplatin (130 mgm-2) every 3 weeks until progression, toxicity, or a maximum of six cycles," explained M. Reni and colleagues, San Raffaele Science Institute. "A total of 41 patients received 137 cycles of chemotherapy. Dose intensity for both drugs was 92% of the intended dose. Main grade 42 toxicity was: neutropenia in 5 patients (12%), thrombocytopenia, liver and vomiting in 3 (7%), fatigue in 2 (5%).
"In total, 10 patients (24%) yielded a partial response, 11 a stable disease. Progression-free survival at 6 months was 14.6%. Median survival was 5.2 months. Survival was significantly longer in patients with previous PFS 46 months and in patients without pancreatic localisation. A clinically relevant improvement of quality of life was observed in numerous domains."
The researchers concluded, "Raltitrexed oxaliplatin regimen may constitute a treatment opportunity in gemcitabine-resistant metastatic pancreatic cancer. Previous PFS interval may allow the identification of patients who are more likely to benefit from salvage treatment."
Reni and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Cancer (Raltitrexed-eloxatin salvage chemotherapy in gemcitabine-resistant metastatic pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer, 2006;94(6):785-791).
For additional information, contact M. Reni, San Raffaele Science Institute, Dept. Oncology, Via Olgettina 60, I-20132 Milan, Italy.
Publisher contact information for the British Journal of Cancer is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.
Keywords: Milan, Italy, Chemotherapy, Cancer Drugs, Epidemiology, Gastroenterology, Metastatic Disease, Oncology, Oxaliplatin, Pancreas, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Carcinoma, Pathogenesis, Pharmaceuticals, Raltitrexed, Salvage Therapy, Thrombocytopenia, Drug Resistance. This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.
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