Efficacy of DMBG and gemcitabine as a combination treatment on advanced pancreatic cancer, and their effect on miR-190, miR-196a, miR-221 and miR-222

Objective: The study was designed to assess the efficacy of DMBG and gemcitabine as a combination treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical samples from 65 patients admitted to our hospital due to advanced pancreatic cancer, after which, they were divided into 2 groups based on the date of admission. The control group (n=33) was treated with gemcitabine and the observation group (n=32) was treated with DMBG and gemcitabine. The two groups were compared for DCR, survival, incidence of toxic reactions, QOL and levels of 4 miRNAs after treatment. Results: (1) DCR in the observation group was 78.12% and in the control group was 54.55% (P<0.05); (2) after treatment, patients in the observation group maintained survival without PD and an overall survival of (4.15 +/- 1.19) months and (7.58 +/- 2.42) months, respectively; while those in the control group survived (3.32 +/- 0.86) months and (5.43 +/- 1.37) months (P<0.05); (3) no statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of incidences of various toxic reactions (P>0.05); (4) treatment resulted in a KPS score and a ZPS score of (84.23 +/- 7.49) and (0.44 +/- 0.07) in the observation group, and (72.80 +/- 6.92) and (0.72 +/- 0.11) in the control group (P<0.05); (5) miR-190, miR-196a, miR-221 and miR-222 levels were (2.03 +/- 1.05), (2.41 +/- 1.26), (2.65 +/- 1.38), and (1.72 +/- 0.76) in the observation group, and (2.84 +/- 1.23), (3.89 +/- 1.41), (4.02 +/- 1.73) and (2.51 +/- 0.95) in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: DMBG and gemcitabine as a combination treatment show values in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, which can elevate the DCR, prolong the survival time, improve QOL and ensure treatment safety.