ISSN:
1573-0646
Keywords:
combination chemotherapy
;
pancreatic cancer
;
interferon alpha
;
etoposide
;
5-fluorouracil
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background. Chemotherapeutic treatments using combinationsof etoposide, leucovorin and 5-FU (ELF) have shown activity inthe treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Interferon alpha2b is known to have antiproliferative effects on several celllines and has well documented in vitro evidence ofsynergism with 5-FU. It was postulated that the combination ofELF and interferon alpha 2b would improve response rates andsurvival in patients with pancreas cancer. Methods. Fifty-five eligible patients with locally-advancedor metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma received a regimenconsisting of: IV leucovorin at 300 mg/m2/day on Days 1-3(of 28-day cycle), IV etoposide at 80 mg/m2/day on Days 1-3, IV 5-FU at 500 mg/m2/day on Days 1-3, subcutaneousinterferon alpha 2b at 3 million units TIW, and subcutaneousG-CSF at 5 μg/kg/day on Days 4-14 (or until WBC exceeds10,000/μl). Patients with no evidence of disease progressioncontinued on treatment for a total of 6 cycles. Results. Complete response was demonstrated in 1 patient,partial response in 5 patients (11% confirmed response rate).The median survival was 5 months, and the six-month survival ratewas 40%. Ten patients completed all 6 cycles of treatment.Toxicity-related dose delays and reductions were necessary formost patients. Conclusions. Although the combination of ELF and interferonalpha 2b (ELFI) has modest activity in pancreatic cancer, it isa toxic and complex regimen that is not superior to othercurrently available approaches for the chemotherapeuticmanagement of pancreatic cancer. ELFI cannot be recommended asa standard therapy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006486025196
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