gemcitabine + capecitabine + erlotinib

Gemcitabine, capecitabine, and erlotinib is a combination regimen used primarily in the treatment of advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. Capecitabine is an oral prodrug converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which inhibits thymidylate synthase and disrupts DNA synthesis. Erlotinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking downstream signaling pathways involved in tumor proliferation and survival. This combination has been studied for its potential to improve outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer who have progressed on standard therapies or as first-line therapy, with evidence suggesting modest improvements in progression-free survival but increased risk of certain toxicities such as diarrhea and rash[1][2][4][5].

Brand names

GemzarTarcevaXeloda

Other names

gemcitabine + capecitabine + erlotinib