Pancreatic Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Pancreatic Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information.

Lapatinib/gemcitabine and lapatinib/gemcitabine/oxaliplatin: a phase I study for advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer.

Safran H, Miner T, Resnick M, Dipetrillo T, McNulty B, Evans D, Joseph P, Plette A, Millis R, Sears D, Gutman N, Kennedy T

Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Brown University Oncology Group, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA. hsafran@lifespan.org

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety/tolerability and potential antitumor activity of lapatinib, at dose ranges of 1000 to 1500 mg/d, in combination with gemcitabine and gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer were assigned to 1 of 4 cohorts of lapatinib administered once daily. Toxicities, response, and survival were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled, 18 with pancreatic cancer and 7 with biliary cancer. Lapatinib, 1500 mg/d, was successfully administered with weekly gemcitabine. Dose limiting toxicities of nausea and anorexia occurred in 2 of 5 patients receiving 1500 mg/d lapatinib with GEMOX. The median survival of all patients was 11 months and the 1-year survival was 48%. CONCLUSION: Lapatinib, 1500 mg/d, can be administered with weekly gemcitabine. The maximum tolerated dose of lapatinib is 1000 mg/d with GEMOX. A phase II study of lapatinib and gemcitabine for metastatic pancreatic cancer will be initiated.

Published 8 April 2008 in Am J Clin Oncol, 31(2): 140-4.
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