A Research Trial of High Dose Vitamin C and Chemotherapy for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

* Normal G6PD status
* Histologically or cytologically diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
* Disease extent documented by CT scan (radiologically measurable disease is not required)
* Ambulatory patient without evidence of spinal cord compression
* No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease
* Failed curative therapy or patient ineligible for definitive curative therapy
* Completed adjuvant therapy at least 4 weeks prior and recovered from any/all toxicities related to that treatment.
* If post-therapy, must have disease progression since that treatment
* If treated with prior radiation therapy, disease must be outside of the radiation fields
* No currently active second malignancies unless it is a non-melanoma skin cancer
* Women must be non-pregnant and non-lactating
* ECOG performance of 0, 1, or 2
* Granulocytes at least 1,500 / ul
* Platelets at least 100,000 / ul
* Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL or clearance of at least 60 mL / min
* Total bilirubin less than 2 times the upper limit of normal
* AST and ALT less than 3 times the upper limit of normal if liver metastases are not present. If liver metastases are present, AST and ALT less than 5 times the upper limit of normal
* PT INR less than 1.5 (unless the patient is on full dose warfarin)
* Patient must be at least 18 years of age
* Patient must be able to understand consent process, the research study, and be able to sign the consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* A psychiatric disorder by history or examination that would prevent completion of the study
* ECOG performance of 3 or 4
* Co-morbid conditions that affect survival: end stage congestive heart failure, unstable angina, myocardial infarction (within the past 6 weeks), uncontrolled blood sugars of greater than 300 mg/dL, known chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis.
* Consumption of excess alcohol (more than 4 drinks per day) or use of illicit drugs
* Continued sse of over-the-counter antioxidants (supplements like vitamin C and grape seeds)