Primary Objective:~To establish the pharmacokinetics (PK) of capecitabine in patients who have undergone proximal pancreatico-duodenectomy.~Secondary objectives:~To establish the toxicity profile of capecitabine in these patients and to identify any dose limiting toxicities (DLT).~To ensure equivalent capecitabine exposure when compared to previous studies using patients who have not undergone such surgery.~This is a clinical trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of adjuvant capecitabine in patients who have undergone proximal pancreatico-duodenectomy. The study also aims to establish the toxicity profile of capecitabine in these patients, to identify any dose limiting toxicities (DLT), and to ensure equivalent capecitabine exposure when compared to previous studies using patients who have not undergone such surgery. Screening tests will consist of demographic details, complete medical history, physical exam, vital signs, tumour serum markers, haematology and biochemistry tests. There will also be an ECG, faecal elastase measurement and a serum or urine pregnancy test (for women of childbearing potential). Haematology and Biochemistry (including CA19.9) will be repeated prior to each study drug administration. All patients will receive 8 cycles of oral capecitabine chemotherapy at a dose of 1250 mg/m2, administered twice daily at 12 hourly intervals for 14 consecutive days out of a 21 day cycle. Total proposed duration of therapy is 24 weeks, assuming patients commence all cycles without delay. Capecitabine and its metabolites (DFCR, DFUR and 5-FU) plasma levels will be measured during the 1st and 3rd cycles in all patients. Treatment should continue for 8 cycles unless there is evidence of disease progression, or unacceptable toxicity.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of adjuvant capecitabine in patients who have undergone proximal pancreatico-duodenectomy.