What clinical trials would you offer for a 67-year-old, healthy (no other disease pathology) man with a mass on the head of the pancreas and liver metastases? He has never had chemo before.

Susan J. Littman, MD

Academic Title: Assistant Professor

This patient would likely be offered a gemcitabine-based regimen, such as gemcitabine plus erlotinib or gemcitabine plus capecitabine. Alternative regimens would include a 5FU-based regimen such as FOLFOX or FOLFIRI or possibly FOLFIRINOX, depending on performance status. A clinical trial would be better reserved for 2nd line treatment if an initial regimen is unsuccessful.