A randomised trial of CF (infusional 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin) alone versus CF plus concurrent radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma

INTERVENTION: 1. Regimen A: 5‐fluorouracil, continuous infusion for 18 weeks, plus cisplatin repeated every 3 weeks for six cycles. 2. Regimen B: Cisplatin repeated every 3 weeks for four cycles plus 5‐fluorouracil, continuous infusion for 12 weeks followed by continuous infusion for a further 6 weeks at a reduced dose. Radiotherapy 50 Gy in twenty‐five fractions given over 5 weeks. Radiotherapy to commence on week 13 of chemotherapy. CONDITION: Pancreas cancer ; Cancer ; Pancreas PRIMARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Histological evidence of locally advanced or unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma 2. Patients evaluable for response must have bidmensionally measurable disease as assessed by Computed Tomography (CT) scans 3. No prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy 4. Life expectancy of >3 months 5. Adequate bone marrow and renal function 6. World Health Organisation (WHO) performance status 0‐2 at randomisation 7. No medical contraindications to treatment protocols