Gemcitabine plus celecoxib (GECO) in advanced pancreatic cancer: a phase II trial

Introduction: Single agent gemcitabine (GEM) is the standard treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. Recent studies in human pancreatic tumor cell lines suggest an involvement of COX-2 in tumor-dependent angiogenesis and provide the rational for inhibition of the COX pathway as an effective therapeutic approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxicity and activity of gemcitabine plus celecoxib. Patients and methods: Forty-two consecutive patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma entered the trial. Twenty-six patients (pts) were metastatic, 16 pts had locally advanced disease. The schedule consisted of GEM 1,000 mg/m² (as a 30 min iv infusion) on days 1, 8 every 3 weeks and celecoxib 400 mg bid. Results: Four pts (9%) achieved a partial response and 26 (62%) had stable disease, gaining a total disease control in 30 pts (71% [95% CI, 58–84%]). Overall clinical benefit response was experienced by 23 pts (54.7% [95%CI, 38.6–70.1%]). Neither grade 4 neutropenia nor grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia was observed. Grade 3 neutropenia was detected in 19% of pts. Grade 3 non-hematological toxicity was as follows: hepatic toxicity 7%, nausea 2.3%. Three pts (7%) and 5 pts (12%) had respectively a minimum creatinine increase and edema. Median survival was 9.1 months (95% CI, 7.5–10.6 months). Conclusion: GEM in combination with celecoxib showed low toxicity, good clinical benefit rate and good disease control. Further clinical investigation is warranted.