5‐fluorouracil, methyl‐CCNU, and radiotherapy with or without testolactone for localized adenocarcinoma of the exocrine pancreas. A southwest oncology group study

Abstract

Since August 1975, 69 patients with localized pancreatic carcinoma (extent of tumor confined to a 15 cm × 15 cm radiotherapy port) have received either Regimen A, comprising radiotherapy (6,000 rad) to the tumor area with simultaneous combination chemotherapy utilizing methyl‐CCNU, 125 mg/m2 orally, every six weeks, and 5‐fluorouracil, 400 mg/m2 intravenously, weekly; or Regimen B, comprising Regimen A with the addition of testolactone, 200 mg, orally every day. Thirty‐eight patients on Regimen A and 30 patients on Regimen B are currently evaluable. Median survival, which appeared not to be affected by the addition of testolactone, was 38 weeks for those on Regimen A and 30 weeks for those on Regimen B (P = 0.677). The median survival time for all patients was 38 weeks. Good performance status did correlate with improved survival vs. poor performance status (46 weeks vs. 20 weeks, P = .008). Fifteen patients have survived for more than 52 weeks, with the longest survival time being 160 + weeks, and in 3 cases all therapy has been discontinued. However, most patients experienced moderate to severe hematologic toxic reactions. There was one treatment‐related death and significant gastrointestinal bleeding developed in 6. Because of the toxic reactions of this program, it should not be considered in favor of similar less aggressive programs. Copyright © 1980 American Cancer Society