Clinical Observations on Safety of Fixed Dose Rate GemcitabineChemotherapy by Intravenous Infusion

Abstract

Purpose: To observe the safety of fixed dose rate gemcitabine by intravenous infusion (iv-FDR) for cancers.<br/><b>Methods</b>: From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009, four patients who were pathologically diagnosed withadvanced pancreatic or breast cancer were recruited into this study. They were treated by gemcitabine 10mg/m2/min iv-FDR on days 1 and 8, and combined with other chemotherapeutics, repeated every four weeks. Toxicitywas determined in line with the National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC). <br/><b>Results</b>:The main toxicity was reversible myelosuppression; other side effects included gastrointestinal toxicity andliver impairment. Cardiac or renal toxicity was not detected. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: The toxicity of iv-FDR gemcitabinecombination chemotherapy was well tolerated, so that iv-FDR gemcitabine deserves to be further studied as atreatment option.