Combination fluorouracil, folinic acid, and interferon alfa-2a: an active regimen in advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

Abstract

Based on promising results with 5-FU/FA or 5-FU/IFN-alpha in colorectal cancer, a pilot study was initiated to evaluate the effects of the combination 5-FU/FA/interferon alfa (IFN-alpha) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients received 9 million units (MU) IFN-alpha subcutaneously three times a week or 6 MU IFN-alpha once a week; 500 mg/m2 5-FU via an intravenous bolus 1 hour after the initiation of a 2-hour infusion of 500 mg/m2 of FA, once a week. Fourteen patients, all previously untreated with chemotherapy, were enrolled; 13 (two females/11 males) were evaluable for response and toxicity (one too early). The median performance status was 80% (range, 60 to 100) and the median age 62 years. Besides the inoperable primary tumor, metastatic sites were liver, lung, and peritoneum. Three of 13 patients had a partial remission, three of 13 patients a minor response, and four of 13 patients no change. Three patients had progressive disease. Until now, no complete remission was seen. Median duration of response was 4+ months; median survival has not been reached yet. Of all patients there were three instances of World Health Organization grade 3 toxicity: fatigue (one of 13), nausea (one of 13), and diarrhea (one of 13); grade 4 toxicity did not occur. Although overall toxicity was moderate, most patients experienced a reduction of well-being. Therefore in all patients the dose of IFN was reduced (from 3 x 9 MU/week to 1 x 6 MU/week). Our preliminary data suggest that biochemical modulation of 5-FU with FA and IFN-alpha (reduced dosage) is effective in pancreatic cancer with moderate toxicity, warranting further study.

• Authors: A Knuth, H Bernhard, O Klein, K H Meyer zum Büschenfelde
• Journal: Seminars in oncology (Semin Oncol) Vol. 19 Issue 2 Suppl 3 Pg. 211-4 (Apr 1992) ISSN: 0093-7754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1557650 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• Recombinant Proteins
• Leucovorin
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Fluorouracil (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (administration & dosage)
• Leucovorin (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Liver Neoplasms (secondary, therapy)
• Lung Neoplasms (secondary, therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (pathology, therapy)
• Pilot Projects
• Recombinant Proteins