title: Gemcitabine-based combination treatment of pancreatic cancer.
abstract: Since the introduction of gemcitabine (Gemzar; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN), pancreatic cancer may no longer be regarded as a completely chemotherapy-resistant tumor. Good treatment tolerability and a low incidence of side effects are clear advantages of single-agent gemcitabine and enable its integration into combination regimens. Currently, the most widely used regimens involve combination partners such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, and docetaxel. Combinations of gemcitabine with cisplatin or 5-FU appear comparably active and tolerable. Comparative analysis of multiple phase II studies performed with gemcitabine/cisplatin showed response rates in the range of 11.4% to 58% and median survival times of 7.4 to 10 months, whereas various gemcitabine/5-FU-based regimens achieved response rates of 3.7% to 25% and median survival times of 4.4 to 10.3 months. In view of the great variety of schedules and inconclusive treatment results, an optimal regimen for the combination of 5-FU and gemcitabine still needs to be defined. Although the combination of gemcitabine with docetaxel has demonstrated activity, data showing a clear survival benefit are not yet available. It is also premature to evaluate the activity of combinations with irinotecan or oxaliplatin. Four-drug regimens indicate a possible improvement in treatment outcome. However, their application may be limited to selected patients with good performance status.
authors.affiliation: Klinikum Grosshadern, III Medical Clinic, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Heinemann
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D000077146:Irinotecan; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D018579:Patient Selection; D016019:Survival Analysis; D043823:Taxoids; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000093542:Gemcitabine
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D043823:Taxoids; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000077143:Docetaxel; D000077146:Irinotecan; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D002166:Camptothecin; D000093542:Gemcitabine