Phase I dose escalation study of gemcitabine plus irinotecan in advanced solid tumors.

Aim: To determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose (RPTD) and toxicity profile of gemcitabine plus irinotecan combination.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-nine evaluable patients with advanced solid tumors were treated with gemcitabine (Gem) and irinotecan (Iri) on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Dose levels included Gem/Iri 700/50, 900/50, 900/75, 500/50 mg/m(2) respectively.

Significance of histological response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

Background: Neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for pancreatic cancer offers theoretical advantages over the standard approach of surgery followed by adjuvant CRT. We hypothesized that histological responses to CRT would be significant prognostic factors in patients undergoing neoadjuvant CRT followed by resection.

Methods: Since 1994, 193 patients with biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma have completed neoadjuvant CRT, and 70 patients have undergone resection.