title: 5-Fluorouracil, leucovorin and interferon alpha 2b in advanced pancreatic cancer: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  On the basis of data suggesting the possibility of maximizing the efficacy of 5-FU by LV and IFN, a pilot clinical trial was initiated in advanced pancreatic cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four patients received weekly 5-FU 600 mg/m2 bolus 1 hour after the initiation of a 2-hour infusion of 500 mg/m2 of leucovorin. Three MU of interferon alpha 2b was administered subcutaneously three times a week.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two of 22 evaluable patients obtained partial responses (8%, confidence interval 3%-33%). Toxicity was severe. Diarrhea and stomatitis were the most common side effects, occurring in 50% and 25% of patients, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because of the presence of severe toxicity we suggest that further clinical trials in pancreatic cancer be attempted only after a better definition in preclinical studies of interactions among 5-FU, leucovorin and interferon.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Oncologia, Ospedali Riuniti, Pesaro, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cascinu
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fedeli
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Fedeli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Catalano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil