Gemcitabine (Gemzar)

Gemcitabine is among the newest cancer chemotherapy drugs which has become available in past few years. Chemically, it is very similar to Ara-C and with similar toxicities. It is an active drug in treatment of:

• Cancer of Pancreas

• Lung cancer

• Breast Cancer

• Gallbladder Cancer

• Billiary Tumors

• Lymphomas

This drug seems to be the most effective drug in treatment of cancer of pancreas.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Minimal Hair loss due to Gemcitabine is seen in about 15% of patients.

• Diarrhea can be seen in up to 19% of patients receiving this medicine.

• Nausea/Vomiting

• Flu like symptoms, fever, chills, muscle ache,

• Abnormalities in Kidney and Liver function tests

• Skin rash, itching

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist . It is given once a week, intravenously over 30 minutes for as long as the patient responds to the drug. It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologists.