Impact of interferon-alpha in combined chemoradioimmunotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (CapRI): First data from the immunomonitoring

Data from a phase II trial combining chemoradiotherapy with IFN-alpha (CapRI scheme) for adjuvant treatment of pancreatic carcinoma are very encouraging. Therefore, a phase III trial comparing chemotherapy with the CapRI scheme has been initiated in August 2004. Translational research with a focus on immunomodulation is performed in parallel to the study. Blood and serum samples are taken at various time-points. Patients in arm A (chemoradioimmunotherapy) receive a single low-dose-Interferon (LDI) injection prior to therapy to investigate the direct effect of IFN-alpha. Samples from so far 44 patients have been…