A platinum-based drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer has shown encouraging results in trials in Italy.

Researchers found that the use of Tomudex (raltitrexed) and Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) yielded results in half of those patients who had failed to respond to traditional treatment.

In a study reported in Cancer Consultants and published in the latest issue of British Journal of Cancer, the platinum compound helped improve the quality of life in those treated.

A sample of 41 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer tested the combination of Tomudex and Eloxatin as salvage therapy.

With a median survival of 5.2 months and around in one in seven seeing progression-free survival at six months, the scientists behind the tests were pleased with the results.

Despite the absence of a "satisfactory" treatment of the cancer, the researchers were pleased with the palliative effects of the course.


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