ONCOLOGIC
PROTOCOL
GEMZAR
- STAGE IV
|
| MAJOR
INDICATIONS: TREATMENTS FOR STAGE IV BREAST
CANCER |
| IDENTIFICATION:
Gemcitabine (Gemzar) |
| This
drug has not been approved by the FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) for the treatment of breast
cancer, but there is evidence from clinical
trials that it is effective against breast
cancer. |
| Doses:
1,000-1,200 mg./M2 |
| Route:
Given intravenously (IV) |
| Duration and timing:
Treatments may be given- a) once weekly for up to
7 weeks, followed by 1 week off treatment, with
subsequent treatments given weekly for 3 weeks,
followed by 1 week off treatment -or- b) once
weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off
treatment. |
| Treatments are
generally continued as long as the drug keeps the
breast cancer from growing unless there are
unacceptable side effects. |
Possible Side
effects:
- Hematopoetic:
decrease in blood cells, especially white
cells (neutropenia) but also red cells
(anemia) and or platelets
(thrombocytopenia)
- Gastrointestinal:
possible nausea and vomiting (which may
be decreased or prevented with
medications); diarrhea; constipation;
mouth sores; decreased appetite;
abnormalities in liver function tests
- Integmentary:
possible hair thinning; skin rash in 25%
of people, which may cause itching in
about 10% of people
- Genitourinary:
small amounts of protein (proteinurea)
and/or blood (hematuria) in the urine,
which usually require no medical
treatment
- Fertility:
effect on fertility is unknown; this drug
should not be taken by women who are
pregnant or breast feeding
- Cardiovascular:
edema (swelling or fluid retention) in
the feet and ankles or elsewhere; low
blood pressure
- Respiratory:
shortness of breath or difficulty
breathing
- Neurological:
tingling sensation in hands or feet
- Other:
fatigue and flu like symptoms including
fever, chills, and body aches
|
