2nd line chemo- folfox regime

dear all, 

my dad has stage 4 adenocarcinoma of tail and body of pancrease. after 3rd cycle of gemzar, his CT shows increase in tumor size. oncologist are now suggesting folfox regime as 2nd line. any experience or opinions to share?

FOLFOX or FOLFIRI would be an appropriate option at this point.  No increase in survival and side effects a little worse due to more drugs, but not bad.

There is a little increase in survival with these combos compared to the original one.

I have been on folfirinox since November, last scan showed swelling around the pancreatic area gone, and cancer stabilised due for another scan in three weeks.

side effects were rough first two months, cut back 15% on treatment and I am doing ok except for neuropathy (tingles and numbness in the hands and feet) energy level has increased last few months also apitite has improved, I really am doing ok at this point. Stage 4 in head of pancrease metastases to the liver.

Good luck to you and your Dad, hope it works for you,

Sheann

I recall an increase in OS when Folfox was used front-line but only recall increase in RR and TTP when used after Gemzar.  Do you have a reference?

Sheann, thanks for sharing. i really would like to know your next scan results.

how rough was your first 2 months ?

my dad is also on Prosure, oxycontin, and gabapentin. anything else that u are taking that we may try?

Nadiah

Hello Nadiah,

It was quite rough with diarrea, nausea and vomiting, one of the hardest was the change in my taste buds so I had to do a lot of force feeding to keep my weight, but it effects different people different ways, I spoke to my Oncology Docter to day about having nanoknife she doesnt think I would be a good candidate because I have cancer in more than two spots so while it is working I have decided to stay with folfirinox.

Meds I am on are - Pantoprazole (stomach acid)  Emend, Ondansetron, and Amlodipine all taken for three days after chemo, then for 5 days I am on injections called neupogen,

When I have chemo it takes aprox. 4-5 hours then I have a baby bottle attached to a port, the chemo is disconected two days later. I have chemo every other week and I am handling it quite well.

I go for my 13th round tomorrow then another three cycles and then the long awaited scan, I will certainly let you know the results of my scan.

Good Luck to your Dad, I wish him well and you Nadiah.

Sheann 

Have been on folfoix since the beginning of March. Side effects are not to bad. Use L-Glutamine Powder 2 x day and B complex  every day for the Numbness and tingling. I did have to increase the B to 4 a day. I also have acupuncture the day of chemo and this has helped keep the side effects to a minimum. There is some diarrea, The aucpuncture  for nausea and vomiting, and using acupressure bands has speared me this side effect.  Will have my 6 th treatment tuesday.

Hope your dad does well

hi! just wondering, how r u doing now?

my dad decided not to take up folfox as 2nd line, worrying the side effect is not worth it. what do u think?

I am doing ok, went for ct scan yesterday should get the results next thursday, still have the neuropathy (tingles and numbness in the hands and feet) which limit me to the extent of walking and my hands prevent me from doing a few things i enjoy but that is the extent of my side effects at the moment. I do not have any regrets at this time on going on the folfirinox as my doctor explained to me i am in unchartered waters - which means we really dont know what the future is, just one day at a time. I do hope your dad is doing well and that he makes the right choice for him.

Take care my thoughts and prayers are with you,

Sheann