Platinum compound drugs oxalplatin and cisplatin could improve survival rates among patients with pancreatic cancer when used in combination with another drug, according to a study.

The results of the study of the drugs used in combination with gemcitabine, also known as Gemzar, were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

According to website Cancer Consultants, the researchers concluded that the addition of a platinum compound appears to have improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Patients treated with the combination of chemotherapy agents had a progression-free survival of 5.5 months, compared with only 3.6 months for those treated with Gemzar without the addition of a platinum compound.

Improvement was found to be especially marked among patients with a better performance status, which measures their ability to perform daily activities.

Overall survival for patients treated with the chemotherapy agents combination was 8.3 months, compared to only 6.7 months for those treated with Gemzar alone, the research found.

The pancreas helps the body to break down food and produce certain hormones, such as insulin.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd