Real-world efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting surgical options. There is no standardized treatment for second-line or beyond therapies, necessitating alternative treatments. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with chemotherapy in advanced PC patients receiving second-line or subsequent treatments.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 68 advanced PC patients was conducted. Twenty-six patients treated with anlotinib and chemotherapy were compared to 42 controls who received chemotherapy only. Demographic data, efficacy, survival, and adverse reactions were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the anlotinib group, the therapeutic responses were as follows: Complete Response: 0, Partial Response: 2 (7.7%), Stable Disease: 13 (50.0%), and Progressive Disease: 11 (42.3%), the Objective Remission Rate was 7.7%, and the Disease Control Rate was 57.7%. The median Progression-Free Survival was 4.5 months. The Overall Survival was significantly longer in the anlotinib group compared to controls. Common adverse reactions included fatigue, bone marrow suppression, and hypertension, mostly grade 1-3. The potential toxicity and cumulative toxicity of long-term use is hand-foot syndrome, hypothyroidism and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The data generated suggest that anlotinib combined with chemotherapy may be an effective and tolerable option for second-line and subsequent treatment of advanced PC.