Xeloda and Abraxane for pancreatic cancer – pro
Most investigation of Xeloda in pancreatic cancer focused on combining it with gemcitabine. Less is know about combining it with Abraxane. In 2009, Abraxane for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel albumin [human]-bound particles for injectable suspension) was granted orphan status for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and Stage IIB-IV melanoma. An orphan designation means only that the FDA sees a need to investigate a drug for a specified indication.
There had been no trials of Xeloda and Abraxane for pancreatic cancer. The GAX regimen is in a clinical trial: Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane), Gemcitabine, and Capecitabine (Xeloda) for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, NCT01161186. The purpose of this study is to evaluate optimal dose and safety of the combination of Abraxane, gemcitabine, and Xeloda (capecitabine) (AGX) as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The trial was completed and awaits publication.
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David B. Smith et al, Capecitabine: an evidence-based review of its effectiveness in the treatment of carcinoma of the pancreas, re Evid. 2007; 2(2): 111–119.
Hosein PJ, Pastorini VH, Gomez CM, Macintyre J, Merchan JR, Ferrell A, et al.A phase II trial of nab-paclitaxel (NP) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) who have progressed on gemcitabine-based therapy. 2010 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Abstract No. 214.
Von Hoff DD, et al. Promising clinical activity of a NAB paclitaxel plus gemcitabine combination in a disease-specific Phase I trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Abstract 4179.
Hosein PJ, Pastorini VH, Gomez CM, Macintyre J, Merchan JR, Ferrell A, et al.A phase II trial of nab-paclitaxel (NP) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) who have progressed on gemcitabine-based therapy. 2010 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Abstract No. 214.
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