Gemcitabine: monochemotherapy of breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue with proven activity in advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Its action is associated with a favourable toxicity profile which is mainly hematological. Its unique mechanism of action along with not overlapping toxicity is particularly useful both in combination treatment with other active drugs and a sequential therapy in the palliative setting.


METHODS
Phase II studies of gemcitabine performed over the last decade were reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite some conflicting results in some trials, gemcitabine confirmed to be a useful drug to treat this condition.
Ferrazzi
E
E
Department of Oncology, I.O.V., Ospedale Civile, Via Tre Martiri, 45100 Rovigo, Italy. icc.secretariat@azisanrovigo.it
Stievano
L
L
D018943:Anthracyclines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000093542:Gemcitabine
D018943:Anthracyclines; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D043823:Taxoids; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000093542:Gemcitabine