Gemcitabine: Antimetabolite Chemotherapy for Solid Tumors

Gemcitabine is an intravenous chemotherapy drug used to treat multiple cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast, ovarian, pancreatic, bladder, and testicular cancer. As a pyrimidine antimetabolite, it disrupts DNA synthesis during the S phase of the cell cycle, impairing cancer cell replication.

Mechanism of Action:

Gemcitabine is metabolized into active nucleoside analogs that inhibit DNA replication, selectively targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Common Side Effects:

- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and flu-like symptoms
- Bone marrow suppression: neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia
- Pulmonary toxicity: dyspnea, pulmonary edema
- Skin rash, mucositis, peripheral neuropathy, and renal effects

Clinical Consideration:

Pre-treatment consultation is essential to assess risk factors, especially for patients with existing lung or kidney conditions.