A phase II trial of gemcitabine for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND. Treatment with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens containing streptozocin or dacarbazine has resulted in only marginal benefit for patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. The use of these regimens has been further limited by their potential toxicity. Gemcitabine is generally well tolerated and possesses demonstrated activity against a wide range of malignancies. The authors assessed the efficacy of gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS. Eighteen patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors were treated with gemcitabine administered on a standard weekly schedule. Patients were followed for evidence of toxicity, response, and survival. RESULTS. Gemcitabine was well tolerated. However, no radiologic or biochemical responses were observed. Although the majority of patients (65%) experienced disease stabilization as their best response to therapy, the overall median survival duration was only 11.5 months. CONCLUSIONS. The minimal activity of gemcitabine highlighted the need for novel treatment approaches. (C) 2004 American Cancer Society.