Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer

To the Editor: The article by Von Hoff et al. (Oct. 31 issue)(1) is entitled Increased Survival in Pancreatic Cancer with nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine. This title strikes us as inappropriately rosy, given the modest benefits and substantial toxic effects observed. The addition of nab-paclitaxel increased the median survival by 1.8 months, or 55 days. The chance of being alive at 2 years was increased from 4% to 9%. Meanwhile, an additional 10% of patients had grade 3 (severe) fatigue. Grade 2 fatigue (moderate, not relieved by rest) and duration of fatigue are not mentioned. Grade 3 (severe) neuropathy was increased ...