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 method for reducing pancreatic cancer lesions, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antibody and gemcitabine or a salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody is a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody or a human antibody. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein gemcitabine or a salt thereof is gemcitabine hydrochloride. 
     
     
         4 . 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. 
     
     
         5 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 4 , wherein the IL-6 inhibitor is a substance binding to the IL-6 receptor. 
     
     
         6 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 5 , wherein the substance binding to the IL-6 receptor is an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. 
     
     
         7 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 6 , wherein the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody is a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody or a human antibody. 
     
     
         8 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1 , wherein the antimetabolite is gemcitabine or a salt thereof.