Gemzar^®

Gemzar^® belongs to a class of drugs known as "antimetabolites," which function by interfering with normal cell processes. One of the reasons Gemzar^® is used in cancer treatment is because one of the key cell processes it affects is cell division. Because of this, Gemzar^® can slow, or perhaps even stop, tumor growth and complement other cancer treatment options.

Since Gemzar^® affects cell processes, it can be used to help fight a number of different cancers, including: non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Your cancer care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is dedicated to helping find the best course of treatment for your unique situation. Your doctors will discuss with you the benefits of Gemzar^®, as well as the side effects, to help determine whether Gemzar^® would be an ideal part of your treatment plan.

To learn about the roles that conventional and complementary therapies can play in your cancer treatment, you can chat now with an information specialist.

Gemzar^® may cause an allergic reaction in some users. In this event, emergency medical attention should be sought. Some severe side effects of Gemzar^® that could be signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Tightening sensation of the chest and/or difficulty breathing

Some of the serious side effects experienced by users of Gemzar^® that are likely not signs of an allergic reaction, but may still require immediate medical attention, include:

• Abnormal nausea, abdominal pain, decrease in appetite
• Clay-coloring of stools
• Development of white patches or sores on your lips or inside the mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hearing problems
• Jaundice
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Pain in the chest that spreads to the arm or shoulder
• Pain, swelling or redness at injection site
• Pale skin and/or easy bruising/bleeding
• Reduction or cessation of urination or darkening of urine color
• Sudden headaches; confusion; difficulties with speech, vision or balance

In most cases, however, Gemzar^® carries more common, but less serious side effects. These less serious side effects of Gemzar^® include:

• Constipation/diarrhea
• Loss of hair
• Nausea/vomiting
• Numbness or tingling sensation feeling
• Rash
• Swelling in the ankles, feet or hands

The above-mentioned should not be considered an all-inclusive list of possible side effects. As each person is unique, the potential exists for different side effects. If you are using Gemzar^® and begin to develop side effects not listed here, it is recommended that you contact your doctor.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team will work with you to help understand and mitigate potential side effects through our integrative approach to cancer treatment.

In treating non-small cell lung cancer, Gemzar^® is used in combination with another chemotherapy drug called cisplatin, in first-line treatment. It is also used in patients with locally advanced, non-small cell lung cancer, when surgery is not an option.

After patients with metastatic breast cancer first receive another type of chemotherapy drug known as an anthracycline (or in the event that patients are unable to receive an anthracycline), Gemzar^® is administered in tandem with another drug called paclitaxel.

Gemzar^® can be given as a first-line treatment for patients with stage II or stage III pancreatic cancer. Gemzar^® is also an option for those with stage IV (metastatic) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. For pancreatic cancer patients who have been previously treated with another chemotherapy drug called 5-FU, Gemzar^® may also be an option.

For women who have had a recurrence of ovarian cancer at least six months following platinum-based therapy, Gemzar^® may be used in combination with another chemotherapy drug called carboplatin.

As with any possible cancer treatment, your oncology team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can help you determine if Gemzar^® is an advantageous option in your situation. Please contact CTCA at 1-800-615-3055 to learn more about our whole-patient approach to cancer treatment.