YOU ARE NOW CONNECTED TO THE TOXLINE (1981 FORWARD, NON-ROYALTY) FILE. ==PANCREAS CANCER== 1 AUTHOR anon TITLE Gemcitabine hydrochloride SOURCE Phase III Drug Prof.; VOL 3 ISS 10 1993, P14-24, (REF 38) ABSTRACT IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP A review of gemcitabine hydrochloride (Gemzar), a new antineoplastic agent for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer is presented, including pharmacology, antitimor activity, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, results of clinical studies, and dosage. 1 AUTHOR Sakata Y AUTHOR Takemori H AUTHOR Suzuki H TITLE [Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer] SOURCE Gan To Kagaku Ryoho; VOL 23, ISS 12, 1996, P1647-50 (REF: 19) ABSTRACT Few antitumor agents are effective for advanced pancreatic cancer. 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, epirubicin, and mitomycin C were tested as single agents for their respective efficacy against pancreatic cancer. Their response rates were 15, 12, 24 and 24%, respectively. Several trials of combination chemotherapy using mitomycin C, doxorubicin and 5-FU (FAM) were performed, but their response rates did not go exceed those of single agents. Recently, the goal of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is thought to be quality of life. Combination of 5-FU and cisplatin or 5-FU, leucovorin and alpha interferon were effective for the prolongation of life with less toxicities. Their median survival times were 7.6 months, and 22 months in PR cases, respectively. CPT-11, gemcitabine, taxotere and BOF-A2 are promising new drugs for their effectiveness and benefits for patients with pancreatic cancer. Combination of mitomycin C, carboquone and 5-FU with angiotensin II was effective in terms of antitumor effect and prolongation of life. Generally, a large number of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer cannot receive chemotherapy because of deterioration in performance status. For them, combination of continuous venous infusion of low-dose 5-FU and low-dose cisplatin could be effective. The majority of patients with pancreatic cancer must await new agents and methodology in the future. 2 AUTHOR Jones GR TITLE Successful cancer therapy with promethazine: the rationale. SOURCE Med Hypotheses; VOL 46, ISS 1, 1996, P25-9 (REF: 28) ABSTRACT Evidence supporting the claim that specific phenothiazines, notably chlorpromazine and promethazine, may be used as sole agents for the treatment of cancer in man, has been reviewed. Selective destruction of cancerous tissue can be achieved by modulating energy metabolism in malignant cells. In the light of available information, the drug of choice is promethazine, the effects of which on the central nervous system are relatively weak. The maintenance of continuous pharmacological pressure against malignant growths forms an essential feature of the therapy. Protection against blood dyscrasias may be secured through the provision of adequate amounts of trace elements necessary for the function of enzyme systems which detoxicate active oxygen species. Tumour-cell death may be facilitated by nutritional supplements of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids. Interference from adventitious medications and drug resistance are discussed; appropriate therapy is outlined. 3 AUTHOR Ahlgren JD TITLE Epidemiology and risk factors in pancreatic cancer. SOURCE Semin Oncol; VOL 23, ISS 2, 1996, P241-50 (REF: 127) ABSTRACT Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal neoplasms. Incidence in the United States has remained fairly stable over the past 25 years, with about 25,000 cases annually. Almost 100% of cases are fatal. Incidence in the developed world parallels that in the United States. Incidence in undeveloped nations is lower but may be underreported. Worldwide incidence is about 185,000 cases per year. There are no striking environmental risk factors, and geographic variation is less than with other gastrointestinal cancers. The most significant risk appears to be cigarette smoking, with a risk ratio of about 2. Alcohol and coffee consumption have been reported as possible risks in some (but not in most) studies. Diet is probably a significant factor, but is difficult to evaluate quantitatively. Other putative associations, including diabetes, probably are unimportant. 4 AUTHOR Alter CL TITLE Palliative and supportive care of patients with pancreatic cancer. SOURCE Semin Oncol; VOL 23, ISS 2, 1996, P229-40 (REF: 36) ABSTRACT Pancreatic cancer tends to be diagnosed at a relatively late stage of disease and often secondary to significant complaints of pain. In addition there is evidence of higher rates of depressive symptoms at diagnosis in pancreatic cancer than in other forms of cancer. These factors, along with the specific tumor anatomy and pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer make palliative considerations central to the care of patients with the disease. The palliative and supportive approach must first include an aggressive evaluation of pain, mood, and emotional symptoms. Attention should be paid to the specific nature of pain complaints and attempts made to make accurate clinicopathological correlates for the pain. Assessment should be complete and ongoing. Pain treatments include pharmacotherapy, invasive anesthetic and surgical procedures, and supportive attention to side effects and other symptoms of disease and treatment. Depression often appears at higher rates than documented in other cancer patients and can be independent of pain complaints and other symptoms present in the preterminal phases of illness. Depression should be treated with pharmacotherapy and supportive psychotherapy as indicated. Hospice should be considered early on in the treatment relationship and can provide pain and symptom management services as well as play an important role in providing emotional support to the patient and family. Attention to pain, mood, psychological distress, and other quality of life issues can often allow for successful treatment of symptoms and improvement in functioning even in the setting of late stage pancreatic cancer.