An Intergroup Randomized Phase II Study of Bevacizumab (NSC 704865) or Cetuximab (NSC 714692) in Combination With Gemcitabine and in Combination With Chemoradiation (Capecitabine and Radiation) in Patients With Completely-Resected Pancreatic Carcinoma

Detailed Summary

This randomized phase II trial is studying bevacizumab to see how well it works compared to cetuximab when given together with gemcitabine, capecitabine, and radiation therapy in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that has been completely removed by surgery. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab and cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Bevacizumab may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Cetuximab may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine and capecitabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving bevacizumab or cetuximab together with gemcitabine, capecitabine, and radiation therapy after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after surgery. It is not yet known whether bevacizumab is more effective than cetuximab when given together with gemcitabine, capecitabine, and radiation therapy in treating pancreatic cancer.

Study Details

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Interventions