An 81-Year-Old Geriatric Patient with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Demonstrating Excellent Response and Well Tolerance to NALIRIFOX: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background and Clinical Significance: Pancreatic cancer was the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States in 2020 after lung and colorectal cancers. The prevalence of pancreatic cancer has been increasing and is projected to continue rising through 2040, with an estimated 355,317 additional cases expected. We present the case of an 81-year-old patient with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who tolerated NALIRIFOX for a year with grade 1 adverse events. Case presentation: An 81-year-old Asian male presented with abdominal pain associated with weight loss and fatigue. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mass in the body of the pancreas measuring 3.5 cm with an infiltrative appearance invading the retroperitoneum and encasing the splenic artery. A biopsy confirmed poorly differentiated PDAC. The patient received 13 cycles of NALIRIFOX in a palliative setting over the course of one year, demonstrating excellent tolerance aside from minor toxicities, including worsening of pre-existing macrocytic anemia, treatment-related grade 1 neuropathy, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia. A subsequent CT scan revealed disease progression, and the patient was switched to second-line therapy. However, per his preference, the patient was referred to hospice care and passed away a few days later. Conclusions: This case highlights the excellent tolerability of NALIRIFOX in an elderly patient, with minimal adverse events observed, which is uncommon among similar patient populations.