title: Phase II trials of maytansine, low-dose chlorozotocin, and high-dose chlorozotocin as single agents against advanced measurable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group.
abstract: One hundred and five patients with advanced measurable pancreatic carcinoma were randomized to receive therapy with maytansine, low-dose chlorozotocin (120 mg/m2), or high-dose chlorozotocin (175 mg/m2). Objective response rates were as follows: maytansine, no responses among 48 patients; low-dose chlorozotocin, none among 27; and high-dose chlorozotocin, three among 30 (10%). Among patients with excellent performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grade of 0-1) and no prior chemotherapy, response rates were as follows: maytansine, no responses among 17 patients; low-dose chlorozotocin, none among 14; and high-dose chlorozotocin, three among 28 (11%). The responses observed with high-dose chlorozotocin were transient (5-8 weeks) and were of no benefit to the patients. None of these agents given by the methods of this study can be recommended for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008453:Maytansine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010078:Oxazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011379:Prognosis; D013311:Streptozocin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D010078:Oxazines; D008453:Maytansine; C007028:chlorozotocin; D013311:Streptozocin