Clinical Activity of Gemcitabine as a Single Agent and in Combination

Abstract

Gemcitabine (2{\textasciiacutex},2{\textasciiacutex}-difluoro-deoxycytidine, dFdC, Gemzar®) is active in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies. It is attractive for combination chemotherapy based on its multiple mechanisms of action and relatively mild toxicity profile. This chapter summarizes the current preclinical and clinical knowledge of gemcitabine as a single agent and in combinations in non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic, bladder, breast, ovarian, gastric, and esophageal cancer.