Alisertib and Gemcitabine Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Solid Tumors or Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and the best dose of alisertib when given together with gemcitabine hydrochloride in treating patients with solid tumors or pancreatic cancer that is metastatic or cannot be removed by surgery. Alisertib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving alisertib with gemcitabine hydrochloride may be an effective treatment for solid tumors or pancreatic cancer.