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Circadian rhythm modulated 5‐FUdR infusion with megace in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer
Author(s) -
de W. Marsh Robert,
Manyam Vani,
Bewsher Carol,
Youngblood Margaret
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930570108
Subject(s) - medicine , circadian rhythm , rhythm , cancer , pancreatic cancer , gastroenterology , disease
Thirteen patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma were treated with circadian rhythm modulated infusion of 5‐FUdR and Megace. Treatment was initiated at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg/day for 14 days every 28 days and was increased or decreased by 0.025 mg/kg/day with each subsequent cycle until maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was achieved. Megace (200 mg) was administered daily in divided doses. One‐third of the patients were able to complete ⩾6 cycles of treatment, one‐half could only complete ⩽2 cycles, and the remainder managed 3–4 cycles. No patients had regression of disease, but a small number, who were able to receive 6–7 months of treatment, achieved stable disease in the short term. In conclusion, treatment was fairly well tolerated. However, increased dose intensity by this method did not significantly increase response rate. In only a few patients was disease stabilized for a brief period. Megace did not materially improve nutritional status. CA‐19‐9 levels did not correlate well with disease activity. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.