gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel + hydroxychloroquine + avelumab

This is an investigational combination therapy consisting of four agents: - **Gemcitabine** is a nucleoside analog and antimetabolite chemotherapy that inhibits DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. It is commonly used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. - **Nab-paclitaxel** (nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, brand name Abraxane) is a microtubule inhibitor formulated with albumin nanoparticles to enhance delivery. It disrupts mitosis by stabilizing microtubules, resulting in apoptosis. - **Hydroxychloroquine** is an antimalarial and immunomodulatory agent that also acts as an autophagy inhibitor. In cancer therapy, it blocks autophagy—a survival mechanism for tumor cells under stress—thereby enhancing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy[3][8]. - **Avelumab** is a monoclonal antibody immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-L1. By blocking PD-L1, it prevents inhibition of T-cell activity, thereby promoting anti-tumor immune responses[1]. This combination has been studied primarily in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to improve response rates by combining standard chemotherapy with autophagy inhibition and immunotherapy[1][2][3].

Other names

gemcitabine hydrochloridenanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxelhydroxychloroquine sulfate