gemcitabine + pegylated liposomal doxorubicin

Gemcitabine + pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is a combination chemotherapy regimen used primarily in the treatment of advanced or recurrent cancers, notably ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by incorporating into DNA and inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase, leading to cell death. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is an anthracycline antibiotic encapsulated in polyethylene glycol-coated liposomes, which prolongs circulation time and reduces cardiotoxicity compared to conventional doxorubicin. The combination leverages the distinct mechanisms of action of both agents—gemcitabine’s inhibition of DNA synthesis and PLD’s intercalation into DNA with inhibition of topoisomerase II—to achieve additive or synergistic antitumor effects. This regimen has been studied for patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer as well as heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer[1][2][3][4][5][7]. It generally demonstrates manageable toxicity profiles dominated by myelosuppression.

Brand names

Caelyx (for liposomal doxorubicin)

Other names

gemcitabine plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicinGEM + PLDgemcitabine and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin