US Brand Name(s) for Gemcitabine hydrochloride: Gemzar Infugem
Use in Cancer Treatment
Experts have authorized Gemcitabine hydrochloride for usage alone or in combination with other medicines to treat the following conditions:
- Breast cancer that one cannot treat with or that does not respond to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Experts use it in conjunction with paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for cancer that has spread (spread to other parts of the body).
- There is a local progression in non-small cell lung cancer or has spread to other parts of the body and the doctor cannot remove it surgically. Experts use it in conjunction with cisplatin.
- Advanced ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months following platinum chemotherapy treatment. Experts utilize it in conjunction with carboplatin
- Pancreatic cancer is a kind of cancer that affects the pancreas. Experts use it alone in individuals with locally advanced or metastasized cancer.
Researchers are also investigating the use of gemcitabine hydrochloride in the treatment of various cancers.
Definition:
The hydrochloride salt of an analog of the antimetabolite deoxycytidine, which has anti-cancer properties. Intracellularly, gemcitabine is metabolised to the active metabolites difluorodeoxycytidine di- and triphosphate (dFdCDP, dFdCTP). dFdCDP inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, lowering the available deoxynucleotide pool for DNA synthesis; dFdCTP is integrated into DNA, causing DNA strand termination and apoptosis.
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride – MedlinePlus Information A summary of key facts regarding this medication in layman’s terms, which may contain the following:
Cautions about this medicine; what are its uses and how to use it; what you should tell your doctor before taking it; things you should know about it before using it; other drugs that might interact with it; and possible negative effects.
Experts frequently investigate drugs to see whether they can treat or prevent conditions other than those with authorization. This patient information leaflet only covers authorized uses of the medications. However, much of the material might also apply to authorized uses under investigation.
