14139 Background: Carcinoma breast is the second most common malignancy in Bangladeshi women. Though HER-2 over expression has profound effect on prognosis of breast cancer, no published data is available about this among Bangladeshi patients. Our aim in this study was to see HER-2 status in Bangladeshi patients, and their relation with other prognostic parameters. Implication of this molecular marker in management of breast cancer in poor country like ours remains controversial, keeping in mind the exorbitantly high cost of Trastuzumab. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Oncology at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital Bangladesh, from January 2003 to December 2006. Total 250 women with breast carcinoma were enrolled; biopsy specimens were tested by immunohistochemistry to detect HER-2 status. For recommending treatment with Trastuzumab, patients with 3+ immunohistochemistry results were considered HER-2 positive. Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) testing facility was not available. These findings were correlated with age, ER/PR and nodal status. The practical application of marker in terms of use of Trastuzumab was analyzed. Results: Age of patients ranged from 19.75 years to 72 years, mean age was 49.75 years. HER-2 was over expressed in 38.4 % (96) cases and their mean age was 42.92 years compared to 47.61 years in HER-2 negative cases. HER-2 positive cases tended to have higher rates of lymph node metastases (44 out of 96) compared to HER-2 negative (46 out of 154) cases (45.8 % vs 29.87 %). ER/PR was positive in 64 % cases. HER-2 over expression was inversely related to ER / PR expression. Of the HER-2 positive cases, 11.45 % (11 out of 96) afforded treatment with Trastuzumab. Conclusions: HER-2 is over expressed in almost 38 % of breast carcinoma patients in Bangladesh. This expression is associated with relatively young age, lymph node metastasis and lack of ER / PR expression. Only 11.45 % of patients with HER-2 over expression afforded Trastuzumab though 38 % of cases over expressed HER-2. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

15100 Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the cancers with very poor prognosis because of its diagnosis at an advanced or metastatic stages. There is no consensus on the optimal management of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CapGem in patients (Pts.) with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: From January 2001 to December 2004, 30 pts with; histologically / cytologically proven, bidimensionally measurable locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, age 18∼75 years with ECOG performance status 0∼3, no prior chemotherapy, life expectancy >3 months, adequate bone marrow, renal, hepatic and haematological values were enrolled. It was an open - labeled, non-randomized, single - centered and prospective study. The pts received Capecitabine 750mg/m2 twice dailly,days 1–14,orally and Gemcitabine 1000mg/m2 days 1 & 8, intravenous infusion at an interval of 21 days.The efficacy was measured by response rates, CA-19.9 & pain status and safety was measured by adverse events and laboratory blood values. Results: This study consisted of 16 (53.33%) male and 14 (46.67%) female pts. Median age was 52 years. 18 (60%) pts were inoperable locally advanced and the remaining 12 (40%) were metastatic diseases where 8 hepatic and 4 pulmonary. In total, 152 cycles chemotherapy were administered with a median of 5.06 cycles per pt and 28/30 pts were evaluated for responses. The overall response was 9 ( 32.14%) with 2 complete and 7 partial responses. 14 pts (50%) had stable diseases and 5 (17.86%) had progressive diseases. There was 55% decrease in CA-19.9 and pain reduction was 60%. Overall survival was10 months. Grade 3 haematological toxicities were observed as follows: neutropenia 30% and anaemia 18%. Some non- haematological toxicities including nausea & vomiting 30%, diarrhoea 20% and hand foot syndrome 10% were observed. Conclusions: This phase II study supports the use of CapGem combination in chemo naive locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma due to its promising anti-tumor activity with well-tolerated toxicities in Bangladeshi pts. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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