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Gemcitabine and lenalidomide combination in a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a case study

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Abstract

The proportion of people surviving pancreatic cancer is extremely low, with just 10% of patients diagnosed with any stage of the disease living beyond 1 year and a 5-year relative survival rate of <5%. The lack of effective therapy is one the main reason for such a bleak outlook. Herein, we report on a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and metastatic disease treated with a combination regimen of gemcitabine and lenalidomide, without major complications. We also present in vitro data that highlight a hyper-additive effect of the two drugs when used in combination. To date, 33 months after diagnosis, the patient remains well and continues in full-time employment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George’s University of London, 2nd Floor, Jenner Wing, London, SW17 0RE, UK

    Wai M. Liu, Shiyam Nizar & Angus G. Dalgleish

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  1. Wai M. Liu
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  2. Shiyam Nizar
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  3. Angus G. Dalgleish
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Correspondence to Wai M. Liu or Angus G. Dalgleish.

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Liu, W.M., Nizar, S. & Dalgleish, A.G. Gemcitabine and lenalidomide combination in a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a case study. Med Oncol 27, 430–433 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-009-9228-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-009-9228-6

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