Gemcitabine-capecitabine plus intra-arterial epirubicin-cisplatin in pretreated pancreatic cancer patients: a phase i study
Mambrini, A.; Pacetti, P.; Del Freo, A.; Seta, R.D.; Pezzuolo, D.; Torri, T.; Orlandi, M.; Tartarini, R.; Cantore, M.
Anticancer Research 29(5): 1547-1549
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 19443364 Document Number: 636050
Gemcitabine plus capecitabine are active in patients (pts) with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC). Intra-arterial chemotherapy showed activity and low toxicity. Combination of systemic and intra-arterial chemotherapy was investigated. Patients with APC, progressed after a first-line chemotherapy, were included. Fixed doses of epirubicin 35 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 42 mg/m(2) intra-arterially every 28 days, and capecitabine 650 mg/m(2) twice a day on days 2-15; gemcitabine systemically in increasing doses on day 2. The purpose was to find maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Fifteen patients were enrolled. DLT occurred at 1300 mg/m(2) of gemcitabine and consisted of myelotoxicity (grade 4 febrile neutropenia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia). Limiting toxicity was hematological. For further studies intra-arterial epirubicin 35 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 42 mg/m(2); systemic gemcitabine at 1,000 mg/m(2) on day 2, and capecitabine at 650 mg/m(2) twice a day PO on days 2-15 are suggested.