This invention provides medicines and technology for use in treating cancer. The approach is to administer a hypoxia activated prodrug, followed by administration of another chemotherapeutic agent that is not a hypoxia activated prodrug. The median survival in pancreatic cancer patients can be extended by several months using such medicines and technology. This invention also provides methodology to assist the clinician in identifying subjects who will benefit most from the therapy. Drug combinations are provided to help the clinician manage side effects that may occur in the course of treatment.