Neoadjuvant gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel followed by concurrent capecitabine/radiation in borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic cancer: A single-institution experience.

Abstract

718 Background: Neo-adjuvant therapy is becoming a preferred approach in the management of BR pancreatic cancer patients. There is no consensus on an ideal treatment regimen. We report our experience with a combination of nab-Paclitaxel/Gemcitabine followed by concurrent Capecitabine and radiation treatments in BR pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of patients with BR pancreatic cancer undergoing neo-adjuvant treatments at our cancer center between 01/2013- 11/2017 was reviewed. Patients were treated with Gemcitabine(1gm/m2) and nab-paclitaxel (125mg/m2) given on D1-8-15 every 28 days. Pts. were re-assessed after two cycles and the responding pts received two additional cycles. Pts. who continued to respond after four cycles were treated with capecitabine (825mg/m2) and radiation treatments(50.4Gy). Results: A total of 32 patients with PS 0/1 were treated. Median age was 59 yrs (42-76), 19 Males and 13 females. After 2 cycles of Gem/nab-paclitaxel, none of the pts. had progressive disease. Thirty patients (93%) were able to complete all four cycles of Gem/nab-paclitaxel. Twenty nine (90%) received capecitabine and radiation treatments. Imaging to assess response was done 4 weeks after completing radiation and the results were were; 2 CR, 11 PR, 14 SD, 2 PD. Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after completing radiation. Twenty six (81%) underwent planned resection, 2 had PD, 3 declined surgery and 1 had significant decline in PS. Twenty two out of Twenty six patients undergoing surgery had a R0 resection (80%). Grade-III/IV toxicities with the neo-adjuvant treatments were seen in 41% and 7 % of the pts., respectively. No thirty day post-op mortality, pancreatic leaks or re-operations were observed. The median PFS among all patients was 11.7 months, 2 yr OS 49% and median OS was 27.6 months, compared to 23.4 months, 65% and median OS not reached, in patients who underwent surgical resection. Conclusions: Nab-Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine followed by Capecitabine and radiation is an effective neo-adjuvant treatment strategy with acceptable toxicity-profile for patients with BR pancreatic cancer.