Safety and efficacy of modified dose-attenuated FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy in patients over 65 years with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract

468 Background: There is only limited data regarding efficacy and safety of FOLFIRINOX in elderly patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We aim to evaluate our experience with dose-reduced FOLFIRINOX in patients > 65 years-old. Methods: All patients > 65 years-old with biopsy-proven advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received at least one cycle of modified dose-attenuatedFOLFIRINOX (no bolus FU and reduced dose of oxaliplatin and/or irinotecan) at our institution were identified. Results: Twenty-one consecutive patients (62% males) were reviewed. Median age was 67 (range 65-79). Grade 3/4 toxicities were reported in 7 (33%) patients ; the most common toxicities were anemia (62%), and nausea/vomiting (45%). Elevations in AST and/or ALT above the upper limit of normality were identified in 38%. No deaths due to toxicities were reported. Prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulator factor (G-CSF) was given in 16 (70 %) patients. Dose reductions were substantial with median reductions of 27,8 % (range 15 - 50%) for 5-FU, 27,1% (range 6-50%) for oxaliplatin and 25% (range 12-75%) for irinotecan. Median overall survival (OS) was 11,8 months (95% CI 10,2 - 13,3). Median progression free survival (PFS) was 6,9 months (95% CI 5,3 - 8,5). Conclusions: Modified dose-attenuated FOLFIRINOX is a reasonable option for elderly patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Adverse events were manageable and no deaths due to toxicity were reported. Median OS and PFS were similar to the pivotal phase III trial, demonstrating that dose-attenuated FOLFIRINOX may be beneficial to elderly patients.