Current treatment landscape and emerging therapies for pancreatic cancer

Am J Manag Care. 2019 Jan;25(1 Suppl):S3-S10.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer remains a disease that is difficult to treat due to a typically late presentation, relatively high resistance to chemotherapy, and lack of effective targeted therapies. The standard of care relies on cytotoxic chemotherapy, primarily FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-based regimens. Dose modifications and/or the use of alternative combinations can reduce adverse effects, but these regimens remain highly toxic. As a result, long-term survival is low for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. There is a great need for novel anticancer agents that provide efficacy with minimal toxicity. Currently, inhibitors of immune tolerance and immune checkpoint inhibitors; PARP inhibitors; novel cytotoxic chemotherapies, such as trifluridine/tipiracil; and modifiers of the tumor microenvironment, such as pegylated hyaluronidase, are in clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This activity will review the current treatment landscape and preview emerging therapies for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / therapeutic use
  • Immune Tolerance / drug effects
  • Microsatellite Instability / drug effects
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase