Gemcitabine in ovarian cancer

Newer agents and combinations are needed in order to improve current results in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Gemcitabine (Gemzar; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN) is a novel agent with a unique mechanism of action that has shown consistent activity as a single-agent in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, with remission rates of nearly 20% and a favorable toxicity profile. Because of these benefits and its shown clinical and preclinical synergism with platinum analogues, gemcitabine has been combined with carboplatin as a rational approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer patients. The combination has been studied in phase I and II trials aimed at determining the optimal schedule and potential activity. Triplets including paclitaxel are also feasible. Further combinations of gemcitabine and other agents are being actively studied in both treated and untreated patients with ovarian cancer in order to establish its role in the management of this disease. Semin Oncol 28 (suppl 10):62-69.