The purpose of this research study is to try to define the highest doses of temsirolimus and gemcitabine that can be used safely in combination to treat advanced pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine is a standard chemotherapy used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
* Because this is a study to determine the highest doses of temsirolimus and gemcitabine that can be given safely together, groups of 3 subjects will be treated at gradually increasing doses of the drugs. Each group of 3 subjects must complete 4 weeks of treatment (1 cycle) before the following group of 3 subjects can start treatment at the higher dose of drug. * Temsirolimus will be given intravenously every week of the 28 day treatment cycle (days 1, 8, 15, 22). Gemcitabine will be given intravenously every other week of the treatment cycle (days 1. 15). * During the study, participants will have weekly clinic visits where the following tests and procedures may be performed: Physical exam; vital signs; urine test; blood tests. * A CT scan will be performed after every 2 cycles (8 weeks) to assess teh response of the tumor to the study treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
5
Given intravenously every week of each 28-day cycle (days 1, 8, 15 and 22). Participants may continue to receive study treatment as long as their tumor is responding and they don't experience any serious side effects.
Given intravenously every other week of each 28-day cycle.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
To determine the dose-limiting toxicities and maximal tolerated doses of gemcitabine combined with temsirolimus
Time frame: 2 years
To determine whether order of administration of the drugs affects the above
Time frame: 2 years
To determine the dosing regimen appropriate for Phase 2 studies of the combination
Time frame: 2 years
To document objective response rate and progression-free survival in patients treated with this combination
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