Multicenter phase 2 trial of nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin and gemcitabine for previously untreated advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

A multicenter phase 2 trial in the USA evaluated nab-paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine (NABPLAGEM regimen) for previously untreated advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (aPDAC). Median number of cycles was 6 (range 1-23). Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were thrombocytopenia (64.3% of patients), anemia (47.6%), and neutropenia (26.1%). Partial response was seen in 40.5% of patients, and stable disease in 43.2%. Statistically significant improvement in quality of life was reported during the first three cycles. The median overall survival rate at 12 months was 38.1%; among patients with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≤ 5 it was 59% and among patients with NLR >5 it was 20% (HR 4.3; p<0.001). The authors conclude that the NABPLAGEM regimen had efficacy for previously untreated aPDAC.