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5-Fluorouracil, leucovorin and interferon alpha 2b in advanced pancreatic cancer: a pilot study
S Cascinu1, A Fedeli, S L Fedeli
1Servizio di Oncologia, Ospedali Riuniti, Pesaro, Italy.
Background:
On the basis of data suggesting the possibility of maximizing the efficacy of 5-FU by LV and IFN, a pilot clinical trial was initiated in advanced pancreatic cancer.
Patients And Methods:
Twenty-four patients received weekly 5-FU 600 mg/m2 bolus 1 hour after the initiation of a 2-hour infusion of 500 mg/m2 of leucovorin. Three MU of interferon alpha 2b was administered subcutaneously three times a week.
Results:
Two of 22 evaluable patients obtained partial responses (8%, confidence interval 3%-33%). Toxicity was severe. Diarrhea and stomatitis were the most common side effects, occurring in 50% and 25% of patients, respectively.
Conclusion:
Because of the presence of severe toxicity we suggest that further clinical trials in pancreatic cancer be attempted only after a better definition in preclinical studies of interactions among 5-FU, leucovorin and interferon.