Phase II trials of maytansine, low-dose chlorozotocin, and high-dose chlorozotocin as single agents against advanced measurable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group.

One hundred and five patients with advanced measurable pancreatic carcinoma were randomized to receive therapy with maytansine, low-dose chlorozotocin (120 mg/m2), or high-dose chlorozotocin (175 mg/m2). Objective response rates were as follows: maytansine, no responses among 48 patients; low-dose chlorozotocin, none among 27; and high-dose chlorozotocin, three among 30 (10%). Among patients with excellent performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grade of 0-1) and no prior chemotherapy, response rates were as follows: maytansine, no responses among 17 patients; low-dose chlorozotocin, none among 14; and high-dose chlorozotocin, three among 28 (11%). The responses observed with high-dose chlorozotocin were transient (5-8 weeks) and were of no benefit to the patients. None of these agents given by the methods of this study can be recommended for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.