A Trial of Gemcitabine, Infusional 5-Fluorouracil and Cisplatin for Advanced Pancreatic and Biliary Cancers

Multi-agent chemotherapy has value for patients with advanced pancreatic-biliary cancers leading to responses in a substantial minority and increasing survival. The use of the FOLFIRINOX regimen is limited by its' intensity and toxicity. Previous protocol and clinical experience within the University of Michigan Pancreatic Program leads to an expectation of tolerance and efficacy of the proposed regimen. Advantages of the proposed regimen relative to FOLFIRINOX include: 1. Substitution of gemcitabine for irinotecan. Single agent activity of gemcitabine is at least as good as irinotecan (probably better, especially when delivered by FDR [fixed-dose rate] infusion) and gemcitabine is much better tolerated with less diarrhea, nausea/emesis, myelosuppression and alopecia. 2. Deletion of leucovorin infusion and 5FU bolus injection will lessen myelosuppression, mucositis and diarrhea. 3. Substitution of cisplatin for oxaliplatin will reduce cost of therapy and avoid cold aggravated dysesthesia. Presuming evidence of efficacy and confirmation of tolerance with the proposed regimen, the investigators believe this treatment may be more widely applicable to pancreatic-biliary cancer patients, including those with advanced disease as well as being considered for use in locally advanced and neo- and adjuvant settings.