Background: The study was performed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (ACA).
Patients and methods: Pancreatic ACA patients, with previously untreated advanced or metastatic disease, were enrolled in a dose escalation study of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin was given intravenously on day 1 and gemcitabine intravenously on days 1 and 8 of a 3-week cycle. Doses of both drugs were increased with sequential cohorts of patients until dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed.
Results: A total of 18 patients were enrolled to three dose levels. DLT of neutropenia and a severe infection was noted at a dose of gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2. Hematological toxicity and nausea and vomiting were the most common grade 3/4 toxicities. The MTD, gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2, was well tolerated. Three confirmed responses were seen.
Conclusions: The MTD of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with pancreatic ACA was determined. A phase II study of this combination is ongoing and will be reported separately at a later date.