apricoxib + gemcitabine + erlotinib

A **combination regimen** composed of **apricoxib** (a novel, selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor), **gemcitabine** (a nucleoside analog antimetabolite chemotherapy), and **erlotinib** (an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor), evaluated for **advanced pancreatic cancer**. Apricoxib, by inhibiting COX-2, aims to decrease tumor growth, enhance anti-tumor activity of gemcitabine and EGFR inhibition, and potentially reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Gemcitabine impedes DNA synthesis, limiting cancer cell proliferation. Erlotinib blocks EGFR signaling, reducing cancer cell survival and proliferation. Preclinical studies show **apricoxib enhances efficacy of gemcitabine/erlotinib** in vitro and in vivo. Clinical evaluation was pursued primarily in pancreatic cancer patients[3][6][7].

Brand names

Tarceva (for erlotinib)Gemzar (for gemcitabine)

Other names

APRiCOT-P regimen