Related Pages Search for Clinical Trials 1 NCI's PDQ® Cancer Clinical Trials Registry. Pancreatic Cancer Home Page 2 NCI's gateway for information about pancreatic cancer.

Name of the Trial

Phase III Randomized Study of Gemcitabine With Versus Without Cetuximab as First-Line Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas (SWOG-S0205). See the protocol summary ³.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Philip Philip Principal Investigator

Dr. Philip Philip of the Southwest Oncology Group.

Why Is This Trial Important?

Pancreatic cancer is associated with the poorest survival among all major cancer types. In the United States, it accounts for five percent of all cancer deaths, or about 30,000 deaths per year. Furthermore, the numbers of new cases of pancreatic cancer (incidence) and deaths (mortality) have changed little over the past three decades.

The chemotherapy drug gemcitabine (Gemzar®) is a commonly used treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer, but its benefits are minimal. Researchers hope that adding cetuximab (Erbitux®), a monoclonal antibody, to gemcitabine will result in an improved response.

Early clinical work with cetuximab has shown that it does have some effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. Cetuximab binds to cancer cells and blocks a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is found in abnormally high amounts on the surface of many types of cancer cells, causing the cells to divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor proteins.

"Currently there is no satisfactory treatment for pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Philip. "This trial employs a novel targeted therapy that blocks EGFR, hopefully resulting in cancer cells that are less likely to proliferate, more sensitive to chemotherapy, and more prone to apoptosis, or cell death."

Contact Information

This clinical trial is no longer accepting new patients. To find other clinical trials for pancreatic cancer, search the NCI's database of clinical trials ¹ or call the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). The call is toll free and completely confidential.

Glossary Terms

A monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of head and neck cancer, and colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory and can locate and bind to cancer cells. Cetuximab binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found on the surface of some types of cancer cells. Also called Erbitux.

The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Also called epidermal growth factor receptor, ErbB1, and HER1.

The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat pancreatic cancer that is advanced or has spread. It is also used together with other drugs to treat breast cancer that has spread, advanced ovarian cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer that is advanced or has spread. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Gemcitabine blocks the cell from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite

A type of protein made in the laboratory that can locate and bind to substances in the body, including tumor cells. There are many kinds of monoclonal antibodies. Each monoclonal antibody is made to find one substance. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat some types of cancer and are being studied in the treatment of other types. They can be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive materials directly to a tumor.

A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.