-5%
Gemcitabine (dFdC) is metabolized inside cells to its active forms, diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) nucleosides. Its mechanism involves:
- Inhibiting DNA synthesis: dFdCDP blocks ribonucleotide reductase, reducing deoxynucleosides (particularly dCTP) needed for DNA synthesis.
- Self-potentiation: dFdCTP competes with dCTP and integrates into DNA, inhibiting further synthesis and triggering apoptosis.
Small amounts may also integrate into RNA. Gemcitabine’s incorporation into DNA causes the termination of chain growth after one additional nucleotide.
GemcitabineÂ
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
- First-line therapy: Cytogem, combined with Cisplatin, is used for patients with locally advanced (inoperable Stage IIIA or IIIB) or metastatic (Stage IV) NSCLC.
- Palliative treatment: Suitable for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.
Pancreatic Cancer:
- Treats adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
- Indicated for patients with pancreatic cancer refractory to 5-FU therapy.
Bladder Cancer:
- Treats advanced bladder cancer (muscle-invasive Stage IV tumors with or without metastases) in combination with Cisplatin.
Breast Cancer:
- Used with Paclitaxel to treat metastatic breast cancer in patients who relapsed after adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Previous treatment should include anthracyclines unless contraindicated.
Ovarian Cancer:
- In combination with Carboplatin, treats recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma in patients relapsing after platinum-based therapy.
(Use only as advised by a registered physician.)