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Name of the Trial

Phase II Randomized Study of Adjuvant Therapy Comprising Bevacizumab Versus Cetuximab in Combination With Gemcitabine Hydrochloride, Capecitabine, and Radiotherapy in Patients With Completely Resected Carcinoma of the Pancreas (ECOG-E2204). See the protocol summary ³.

Principal Investigators

Dr. Jordan Berlin Principal Investigator

Dr. Jordan Berlin, ECOG ⁴; Dr. Arthur William Blackstock, CALGB ⁵; Dr. Andrew Lowy, SWOG ⁶; and Dr. Robert McWilliams, NCCTG ⁷.

Why This Trial Is Important

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer, with fewer than four percent of patients surviving five years or longer. The best chance for long-term survival is complete surgical removal (resection) of the tumor. However, even resectable patients face a high likelihood of recurrence. To help improve the outcome for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, doctors currently treat these patients with post-operative (adjuvant) chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In this trial, patients with completely resected pancreatic cancer will receive adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy plus additional treatment with either bevacizumab or cetuximab. Bevacizumab and cetuximab are biological agents that target different proteins that are thought to be important for tumor growth and spread. Bevacizumab blocks the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein used by some tumors to form new blood vessels. Cetuximab blocks the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that promotes cell growth and proliferation.

"Our primary goal with this trial is to assess the safety of these biologic therapies in combination with standard adjuvant treatment," said Dr. Berlin. "Additionally, we hope to see some measures of effectiveness that we can build on in future studies."

Contact Information

This clinical trial is no longer accepting new patients. To locate 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) for more information. The toll-free call is confidential.

Glossary Terms

A drug used to treat several types of cancer, including certain types of colorectal, lung, breast, and kidney cancers and glioblastoma. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Bevacizumab binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Avastin.

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 EGFR, ErbB1, and HER1.

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.

Cancer that has recurred (come back), usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrent cancer.

A substance made by cells that stimulates new blood vessel formation. Also called VEGF.