title: Successful treatment with GEMOX in patient with metastatic pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (PASC) is a rare subtype of pancreatic cancer characterized by a dual histological component and aggressive behavior. This form is not well known, its histogenesis is uncertain, and there are different opinions on the diagnostic histopathological criteria. The differential diagnosis with more common ductal adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, squamous or adenosquamous metastases is complex. The available therapies do not improve the poor prognosis and it is difficult to find long-term survivors (more than 1 year), even after demolitive surgery with complementary therapies.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of advanced PASC with excellent progression-free survival and overall survival, 20 months and 29 months, respectively. Furthermore, an almost complete response was obtained to first-line chemotherapy with gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (GEMOX) followed by maintenance gemcitabine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GEMOX followed by gemcitabine as maintenance could be an effective treatment for this pancreatic entity. Further reports are needed to confirm this outcome.
authors: European Institute of Oncology, Medical Care Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Milan, Italy. gaetano.aurilio@ieo.it
authors: Gaetano
authors: G
authors: Aurilio
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Macarulla
authors: Javier Francisco
authors: JF
authors: Ramos
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Fazio
authors: Franco
authors: F
authors: Nolè
authors: Carmela
authors: C
authors: Iglesias