How effective is gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer?
Oncologists prescribe gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer. Anti -tumor treatment has proved to be effective treatment that works by disrupting the spread of cancer cells in the body. In addition to pancreatic cancer, gemcitabin is also used to treat lung and breast cancer. When used to treat ovarian cancer, the drug is used in conjunction with carbopplatin, a drug of anticancer chemotherapy.
Patients who are prescribed gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer are usually given a drug after surgery in an effort to remove cancer from the pancreas and slow down metastases. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, patients with pancreatic cancer who used gemcitabin lived on average two months longer than the patients who decided to surgery themselves. Medicines have been standard treatment in individuals diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer for more than ten years. Some oncologists prescribe drugs, even if the cancer is late phase and Janeoperable to extend the patient's life.
Patients with metastatic RakovInou pancreatic are often treated with gemcitabine as primary treatment, if the oncologist is determined that the patient has a carnof score of 50 or higher. Karnofsky score is the standard of measurement used by a physician to classify patients' ability to perform common tasks. These include speaking, walking and knowledge.
gemcitabine can be administered either through infusion IV or injections. Patients usually have an injection in the oncology office or in the center of cancer treatment. When doctors prescribe gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer, patients are instructed to receive injections or infusions once a week for several consecutive weeks. Treatment is often followed by MRI or other diagnostic test to determine the impact of the drug on disease progression.
gemcitabine is effective for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, but often results in lowering white blood cells, cells that help the body fight infection and fight anemia.Although drugs reduce cancer cells, patients who use the drug can easily become ill by their endangered immune system by being around other patients. To ensure that the numbers of white blood cells are not destroyed, oncologists and doctors regularly check the number of cells. Liver and kidney functions are also commonly controlled as preventive measures.
Patients taking gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer report side effects that include symptoms similar to flu. Some patients also experience nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and skin rash. Doctors often prescribe secondary drugs that may effectively face some side effects of the drug, stimulate appetite and reduce discomfort; These measures are important to ensure that patients have a good quality of life of the ring.