Gemcitabine and lenalidomide combination in a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a case study

The proportion of people surviving pancreatic cancer is extremely low, with just 10% of patients diagnosed with any stage of the disease living beyond 1 year and a 5-year relative survival rate of <5%. The lack of effective therapy is one the main reason for such a bleak outlook. Herein, we report on a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and metastatic disease treated with a combination regimen of gemcitabine and lenalidomide, without major complications. We also present in vitro data that highlight a hyper-additive effect of the two drugs when used in combination. To date, 33 months after diagnosis, the patient remains well and continues in full-time employment.