Introduction

Abstract

The articles included in this supplement to Cancer are based on the proceedings of the Virginia Mason Cancer Center Interchange Meeting, which was held on August 23, 2001 during Pancreas Cancer 2001 in Seattle, Washington. Leading clinical and basic scientists who currently are conducting trials with gemcitabine (GEMZAR®; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN) and other agents participated in a forum designed to facilitate the frank discussion and exchange of information regarding the utility of gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. The faculty discussion encompassed a wide range of topics, including combinations of gemcitabine with chemotherapeutic agents such as platins and docetaxel, antifolates (e.g., pemetrexed [ALIMTA]), and concurrent radiation therapy. In addition to presenting trial data, the roundtable participants presented information concerning clinical trends and the study design of future investigative efforts. A final goal was to produce enduring material for clinical and basic investigators who did not attend to aid them in current and future investigation. The material presented at the Virginia Mason Cancer Center Interchange Meeting and contained in this volume was intended to be thorough, objective, and balanced in its presentation of research in pancreatic cancer with gemcitabine-containing regimens. I hope that the reader finds the information stimulating and timely, and considers the data useful in the design of future clinical trials.