Initial safety and efficacy of cisplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy for unresectable biliary tract cancer

Abstract

Cisplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy has emerged as the standard treatment for advanced or recurrent biliary tract cancer and has been used in Japan since August 2011. We retrospectively reviewed and evaluated the toxicity and compliance of this combination chemotherapy from electronic medical records. From November 2011 to June 2012, 10 patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer underwent cisplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy at our hospital. Grade 3/4 toxicities of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 5 and 4 cases, respectively. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 3 cases. Grade 2 or worse anorexia was relatively common. Dose delays and reductions due to adverse events were needed in 8 patients. Cisplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer can be safely performed with careful attention given to possible hematological toxicity and anorexia.