Second-line chemotherapy in advanced pancreatic carcinoma: a multicenter survey of the Gruppo Oncologico Italia Meridionale on the activity and safety of the FOLFOX4 regimen in clinical practice.
BACKGROUND
In daily clinical practice second-line chemotherapy (SLCT) is frequently given to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer failing gemcitabine-based first-line chemotherapy without solid scientific support.


METHODS
A retrospective survey was carried out including 42 patients. Patients received standard FOLFOX4 regimen biweekly until progression or unacceptable toxicity.


RESULTS
Six partial responses (14%) and 16 stabilizations (38%) were recorded for a tumor growth control rate of 57%. The median time to progression (TtP) was 4 months (range 1-7 months), and median overall survival (OS) was 6.7 months (range 2-9 months). A stabilization of performance status (PS) and a subjective improvement of cancer-related symptoms were recorded in 27 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Data presented in this paper support the use of FOLFOX4 regimen in the second-line treatment of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas patients. The use of SLCT, however, should be carefully proposed to patients with good PS or those who had a good response to first-line therapy.
Gebbia
V
V
Department of Experimental Oncology and Clinical Applications, University of Palermo, La Maddalena Clinic for Cancer, Palermo, Italy. vittorio.gebbia@tin.it
Maiello
E
E
Giuliani
F
F
Borsellino
N
N
Caruso
M
M
Di Maggio
G
G
Ferraù
F
F
Bordonaro
R
R
Verderame
F
F
Tralongo
P
P
Di Cristina
L
L
Agueli
R
R
Russo
P
P
Colucci
G
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil