Gemcitabine and lenalidomide combination in a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a case study

Med Oncol. 2010 Jun;27(2):430-3. doi: 10.1007/s12032-009-9228-6. Epub 2009 May 12.

Abstract

The proportion of people surviving pancreatic cancer is extremely low, with just 10% of patients diagnosed with any stage of the disease living beyond 1 year and a 5-year relative survival rate of <5%. The lack of effective therapy is one the main reason for such a bleak outlook. Herein, we report on a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and metastatic disease treated with a combination regimen of gemcitabine and lenalidomide, without major complications. We also present in vitro data that highlight a hyper-additive effect of the two drugs when used in combination. To date, 33 months after diagnosis, the patient remains well and continues in full-time employment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Female
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Lenalidomide
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Deoxycytidine
  • Thalidomide
  • Lenalidomide
  • Gemcitabine