Therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer

Abstract

We achieved the present invention on the basis of the finding that an excellent therapeutic effect against pancreatic cancer can be obtained by administering an IL-6 inhibitor and an antimetabolite to pancreatic cancer patients. We also found that metastatic lesions from human pancreatic cancer can be reduced and ascites can be eliminated.

1 . A therapeutic composition for pancreatic cancer comprising an IL-6 inhibitor, said composition further comprising an antimetabolite or being administered in combination with an antimetabolite. 
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1  wherein the IL-6 inhibitor is a substance binding to the IL-6 receptor. 
     
     
         3 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 2  wherein the substance binding to the IL-6 receptor is an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 3  wherein the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody is a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody or a human antibody. 
     
     
         5 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1  wherein the antimetabolite is a cytosine analog. 
     
     
         6 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 5  wherein the cytosine analog is gemcitabine or a salt thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 6  wherein gemcitabine or a salt thereof is gemcitabine hydrochloride. 
     
     
         8 . A method for treating pancreatic cancer comprising the step of administering an IL-6 inhibitor and an antimetabolite to a subject. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the IL-6 inhibitor is a substance binding to the IL-6 receptor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the substance binding to the IL-6 receptor is an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody is a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody or a human antibody. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the antimetabolite is a cytosine analog. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the cytosine analog is gemcitabine or a salt thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein gemcitabine or a salt thereof is gemcitabine hydrochloride.