gemcitabine + fluorouracil

A combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of gemcitabine and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administered concurrently with radiation therapy. This specific protocol, evaluated by the University of Utah, is designed for patients with locally advanced, unresectable intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Gemcitabine acts as both a cytotoxic nucleoside analog and a potent radiosensitizer, while 5-FU provides synergistic antineoplastic activity. The treatment involves external beam radiation therapy followed by a high-dose-rate brachytherapy or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) boost to maximize local tumor control.

Brand names

GemzarAdrucil

Other names

5-FUgemcitabine and continuous 5-FUgemcitabine and radiation therapy