Efficacy and toxicity comparison of nab-paclitaxel plus S-1 and nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer

To compare efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine(AG)with nab-paclitaxel plus S-1(AS)as first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer,we conducted a retrospective analysis by reviewing medical records of 53 metastatic pancreatic cancer patients in our institution.They received either AG(nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m 2 on days 1,8 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 on days 1,8)or AS(nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m 2 on days 1,8 and S-180-120 mg on days 1-14)chemotherapy.We found that AS had higher objective response rate(36%vs 21.4%),better disease control rate(84%vs 75%),prolonged time to progression(TTP,7.1 vs 5 months),and improved overall survival(OS,15.3 vs 12 months)when compared with AG.In Cox proportional hazards model,sex was significantly associated with TTP(P value=.031)and metastatic sites plus treatment after progression were significantly associated with OS(P value=.028 and.01,respectively).The incidence rate of chemotherapy-related adverse events was similar in both groups.Neutropenia(50%and 60%,all grade;21.4%and 36%,grade 3 or 4,in AG and AS group)and sensory neuropathy(21.4%and 24%,all grade;3.6%and 4%,grade 3 or 4,in AG and AS group)were the most common hematologic and non-hematologic toxicity.Thus,we believed that AS is a reasonable and convenient alternative for patients treated with AG as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer.