A Phase II Trial of External Irradiation (50.4 GY) and Weekly Paclitaxel (Taxol) for Non-Metastatic, Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed nonmetastatic, unresectable pancreatic
adenocarcinoma No evidence of metastatic disease in the major viscera and no peritoneal
seeding Residual disease after resection (R-1 or -2 micro- and macroscopic residual)
eligible if measurable disease on the post operative CT or MRI scan Recurrent disease
following radical surgery is eligible All malignant disease must be encompassable within a
single irradiation field Must be a radiographically assessable disease CT with 5 mm cuts
or spiral CT

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life
expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Granulocyte count at least 1,800/mm3 Platelet
count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 mg/dL Biliary system
stented Renal: Creatinine less than 3.0 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 40 mL/min
Other: If patients have biliary or gastroduodenal obstruction, they must have drainage
prior to starting chemoradiation Oral intake of at least 1,500 calories per day No
significant infection or other coexistent medical condition

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
paclitaxel At least 4 weeks since prior gemcitabine No other prior chemotherapy Endocrine
therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to the planned field Surgery:
See Disease Characteristics