Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Inclusion Criteria

• •DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic or locally advanced unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas Measurable disease At least 2 cm in diameter No known brain metastases
• •PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 75 Performance status: ECOG 0-2 OR Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: Greater than 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: Adequate cardiac function Pulmonary: Adequate respiratory function Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No sensitive neuropathy No other active malignancy No uncontrolled hypercalcemia No significant medical or psychiatric condition that would preclude study No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition that would preclude study
• •PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior immunotherapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroid use except as antiemetic Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent investigational drugs