Gemcitabine

Summary and Research
Gemcitabine (Brand name Gemzar) --

Some studies indicated Gemzar is more effective in treating CCA than 5FU, but both 5FU and Gemzar are FIRST LINE chemotherapy agents of choice to combine with other chemo agents in CCA regimens; a different study indicated effectiveness of both agents are more or less the same.

Side effects include anemia(68-89%, thrombocytopenia(24-85%), elevated hepatic enzymes; neutropenia (61-90%), nausea and vomiting.

Drug-drug interactions may include filgrastim, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDS), salicylates and anticoagulants such as Warfarin.

Patient Experiences and Suggestions
From http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?pid=57198#p57198


 * But as a patient, I tolerated it for 18 months without any serious side effects except nausea and vomiting at the end of the treatment and low platelets count . However, Each individual is different.