Pancreatic Cancer

In an attempt to improve the grave prognosis associated with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, researchers have explored a number of novel therapies. These include hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, and novel chemotherapeutic agents.

The hormone somatostatin may be effective in treating some patients with pancreatic cancer, new research suggests. Studies conducted in mice and in laboratory samples found that pancreatic tumors responded to somatostatin only if the tumor cells had receptors for the hormone.

NEW YORK--A novel nucleoside analog has demonstrated clinical benefits measured by reduction in pain, weight gain, and an improvement in performance status in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Gemzar (gemcitabine hydrochloride), an investigational nucleoside analog from Eli Lilly and Company, for the treatment of

ROCKVILLE, Md--Because advanced pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with no effective treatment, members of the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted to recommend approval of the nucleoside analog Gemzar (gemcitabine hydrochloride, Eli Lilly) as a first-line treatment for patients with nonresectable stage II, stage III, or metastatic (stage IV) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

INDIANAPOLIS--Eli Lilly and Company has received FDA approval to provide gemcitabine (Gemzar) to advanced pancreatic cancer patients through a Treatment Investigational New Drug program.