Reflections on treatment strategies for palliative chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer.

Following our concept of efficacy-orientated sequential polychemotherapy, we report on the results of palliative chemotherapy in 69 patients suffering from exocrine pancreatic cancer, admitted to our unit in 2004. Evaluation of tumor response was mainly based on the serum courses of the tumor markers CA 19-9 and CEA; in addition, the modern imaging methods CT or MRT, including MRCP and MR-angiography, were performed bi-monthly. The median survival of the 69 patients (65% metastasized stages) was 16 months.

Further evidence for prolongation of survival of pancreatic cancer patients by efficacy orientated sequential polychemotherapy (EOSPC) based on serial tumor marker determinations (CA 19-9/CEA).

The results of palliative chemotherapy in 55 patients suffering from exocrine pancreatic cancer are reported, following our concept of efficacy orientated sequential polychemotherapy (EOSPC). Tumor answer/regression was mainly analyzed on the basis of the serum courses of the tumor markers CA 19-9 and CEA. Up to four different treatment trials were tried in the individual patients.