Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy after the resection of pancreatic cancer.METHODS: S-1 was initially administered or ally at a dose of 50 mg twice daily for 14 days, followed by a rest period of seven days to complete one course. Administration was repeated with dose escalation in each cycle until the recommended dose (RD; 80 mg/m2, maximum 120 mg/day), unless grade 3 adverse events were observed. Administration was planned to continue at least 6 months (eight courses).RESULTS: Eighteen patients who had undergone resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled in this study. The RD could be administered to 12 patients(67%), and 80% of the RD was given to five patients(28%). Although grade 3 anemia occurred in one patient, grade 4 hematologic adverse events were not observed. Grade 3 cutaneous toxicity (hand-foot syndrome)was observed in two patients. The cumulative relative total administered dose rate of S-1 was 0. 86. The 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 31. 4%, and the median overall survival time was 25. 3 months.CONCLUSIONS: Long-term postoperative administration of S-1 at the RD is safe and appears to be a promising method of adjuvant chemotherapy.

View details for PubMedID 20414021