A Research Trial of High Dose Vitamin C and Chemotherapy for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * Normal G6PD status * Histologically or cytologically diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma. * Disease extent documented by CT scan (radiologically measurable disease is not required) * Ambulatory patient without evidence of spinal cord compression * No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease * Failed curative therapy or patient ineligible for definitive curative therapy * Completed adjuvant therapy at least 4 weeks prior and recovered from any/all toxicities related to that treatment. * If post-therapy, must have disease progression since that treatment * If treated with prior radiation therapy, disease must be outside of the radiation fields * No currently active second malignancies unless it is a non-melanoma skin cancer * Women must be non-pregnant and non-lactating * ECOG performance of 0, 1, or 2 * Granulocytes at least 1,500 / ul * Platelets at least 100,000 / ul * Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL or clearance of at least 60 mL / min * Total bilirubin less than 2 times the upper limit of normal * AST and ALT less than 3 times the upper limit of normal if liver metastases are not present. If liver metastases are present, AST and ALT less than 5 times the upper limit of normal * PT INR less than 1.5 (unless the patient is on full dose warfarin) * Patient must be at least 18 years of age * Patient must be able to understand consent process, the research study, and be able to sign the consent document Exclusion Criteria: * A psychiatric disorder by history or examination that would prevent completion of the study * ECOG performance of 3 or 4 * Co-morbid conditions that affect survival: end stage congestive heart failure, unstable angina, myocardial infarction (within the past 6 weeks), uncontrolled blood sugars of greater than 300 mg/dL, known chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis. * Consumption of excess alcohol (more than 4 drinks per day) or use of illicit drugs * Continued sse of over-the-counter antioxidants (supplements like vitamin C and grape seeds)