gemcitabine + lipiodol

Gemcitabine + lipiodol is a combination therapy consisting of the antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine and the iodized oil contrast agent lipiodol. This combination is primarily used in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) procedures for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver tumors. Gemcitabine acts as a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Lipiodol serves as a drug carrier and embolic agent; it selectively accumulates in tumor tissue after intra-arterial administration, allowing for targeted delivery of chemotherapy while also blocking blood supply to the tumor. The emulsion or suspension of gemcitabine with lipiodol enables localized high-concentration exposure to tumor cells with reduced systemic toxicity[3][6]. There is no standardized formula for combining cytotoxic drugs like gemcitabine with lipiodol; clinical protocols may vary.

Other names

gemcitabine and lipiodolgemcitabine plus lipiodol