CompletedPhase 2

Combination Chemotherapy Plus Interferon Alfa Followed by Filgrastim in Treating Patients With Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer

United States60 participantsStarted 1998-03

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Interferon alfa may interfere with the growth of cancer cells. Colony-stimulating factors such as filgrastim may increase the number of immune cells found in bone marrow or peripheral blood and may help a person recover from the side effects of chemotherapy. Combining chemotherapy with interferon alfa may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of combining chemotherapy and interferon alfa followed by filgrastim in treating patients who have gastrointestinal tract cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 120 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed pancreatic, gastric, biliary system, or hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the scope of surgical resection Gastrointestinal tract carcinoid tumor or carcinoma of the small bowel allowed Bidimensionally measurable disease Ineligible for ECOG 6296 (gastric cancer) No brain metastases, unless completely resected and CT scan of the brain is normal PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 4,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 3 times normal SGOT less than 3 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease No chronic or uncontrolled angina No significant coronary artery disease (even if asymptomatic) on cardiac catheterization or thallium stress test, in patients with a history of atherosclerotic heart disease No congestive heart failure No arrhythmia Pulmonary: No chronic obstructive pulmonary disease No chronic pulmonary disease, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sarcoid, or bronchiectasis Neurologic: No cerebellar disease No seizure disorder Other: HIV negative No active or serious underlying infection No AIDS No psychiatric illness No organic mental syndrome No major psychoaffective disorder No poorly controlled diabetes mellitus No serious underlying illness that would preclude study No recent history of alco…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00019474

SponsorMontefiore Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2000-08

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