Erlotinib, Gemcitabine, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of erlotinib when given
together with gemcitabine and radiation therapy in treating patients with locally advanced
unresectable pancreatic cancer. Erlotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the
enzymes necessary for their growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine, work in
different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation
therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining erlotinib with gemcitabine
may make the tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and may kill more tumor cells.