Treatment Information

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Rectal Cancer treatment details. Chemotherapy, Radiation.

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States.

Survival: monthsCountry:United States
Toxiciy Grade:4City/State/Province:Durham, North Carolina
Treatments:Chemotherapy, RadiationHospital:Duke University Medical Center
Drugs:Journal:Link
Date:Feb 2006

Description:

Patients: This Phase I study involved 6 patients (4 men, 2 women, median age 71) with rectal cancer and 10 patients (6 men, 4 women, median age 65) with pancreatic cancer.

Treatment: Treatment consisted of radiotherapy and two drugs: gefitinib (a biological agent) and capecitabine (chemotherapy).

Toxicity: Grade 3-4 toxicities included diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, dehydration, and anorexia.

Results: The median overall survival was not reported. The authors concluded, "The combination of gefitinib, capecitabine, and radiation in pancreatic and rectal cancer patients resulted in significant toxicity."

Support: Several authors disclosed prior relationships as consultants, honoraria recipients, and grant recipients related to Roche or AstraZeneca. Roche manufactures and/or markets capecitabine. AstraZeneca manufactures and/or markets gefitinib.

Correspondence: Brian G. Czito





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