Introduction: FOLFIRINOX in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

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Moderator Johanna Bendell, MD, introduces a panel discussion focused on the latest advances in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer, with a focus on case studies. The conversation includes expert perspectives from Francis P. Arena, MD, E. Gabriela Chiorean, MD, and Ramesh K. Ramanathan, MD.

There are currently multiple treatments approved for the frontline treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, explains Bendell. These treatments include the chemotherapy regimen FOLFIRINOX and the combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel.

Initially, physicians were hesitant to utilize FOLFIRINOX in pancreatic cancer, panelists note. However, the phase III results showing an improvement in survival of 11.5 months compared with 6.7 months with gemcitabine alone seemed to alleviate some of these concerns, explains Ramanathan.

In general, the side effect profile of FOLFIRINOX was the main concern for utilizing this treatment. To address some of the toxicity concerns associated with the FOLFIRINOX regimen, Chiorean eliminates the bolus 5-FU for all patients. Outside of this, on an individual basis, dose adjustments may also be warranted for oxaliplatin or irinotecan.