Clinical observation on erlotinib combined with conformal intensity modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of erlotinib associated conformal intensity modulated radiotherapy in treatment (IMRT) of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. Methods The clinical data of 23 patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The patients′ therapeutic methods: erlotinib was taken continuously and orally at 100 mg/time, 1 time/d until disease progressed or serious adverse reactions happened; intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was used combined with erlotinib at 50.4 Gy, 1 time/d, 1.8 Gy/time, 5 times/week, total 28 times. Tumor response was evaluated at the end of radiotherapy after 4 weeks. Results In 23 patients, there was partial response in 10 cases, stable disease in 9 cases and progress disease in 4 cases. The objective response rate was 43.5%(10/23), and the median survival time was 11.3 months. Adverse reactions included fatigue, rash, bone marrow suppression, nausea and diarrhea. The adverse reactions were mostly tolerable with grade 1-2. Conclusions Erlotinib combined with IMRT is safe and effective in patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma, which is worthy of further study. Key words: Pancreatic noplasms; Radiotherapy, computer-assisted; Erlotinib