Sequential high-dose methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and doxorubicin for treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.
A phase II trial of sequential high-dose methotrexate, 1500 mg/m2, and 5-fluorouracil, 1500 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, plus doxorubicin, 30 mg/m2 i.v. on day 14, has been undertaken in patients with locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Of 25 evaluable patients there were 1 complete response and 3 partial responses for an overall response rate of 16% (95% confidence interval 5%-36%). The median survival of all patients was 6.7 months (range 1-17 months). There was one treatment-related death due to pancytopenia and sepsis. In all other patients therapy was generally well-tolerated. We conclude that this combination protocol has only modest activity in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.
Scheithauer
W
W
Department of Gastroenterology II, University Medical School, Vienna, Austria.
Funovics
J
J
Mueller
C
C
Ludwig
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004317:Doxorubicin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate