Reply to S. Stegmaier et al

4040 Background: Nab-paclitaxel in combination with gemcitabine has shown interesting clinical activity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (PDA) likely related to its ability to eliminate pancreas cancer stroma. In this study we explore clinical and pathological effects of the combination in patients with operable PDA. Methods: Patients with resectable o borderline resectable pancreatic cancer were treated with gemcitabine(1000mg/m2 days 1, 8 and 15) and nab-paclitaxel(125mg/m2 days 1, 8 and 15) for two cycles prior to surgery. Response was assessed by FDG-PET, CA199 levels and elastography, an EUS-based non invasive assessment of tumor stroma. Results: 16 patients were included into the study. 2 patients (12.5%) showed a progression disease (both with hepatic metastases) and were not operated. Median value for PET SUVmax decreased from 7,1 pre-treatment to 4,6 post-treatment(p=0.004), including 7(50%) of patients with a partial metabolic response and the mean CA199 decreased from 2654 to 52(p=0....