pidilizumab + gemcitabine

Pidilizumab + gemcitabine is a combination therapy consisting of the humanized monoclonal antibody pidilizumab (formerly CT-011) and the antimetabolite chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. Pidilizumab was initially characterized as a PD-1 inhibitor but has since been shown to primarily bind to Delta-like 1 (DLL1). It works by modulating the immune system, specifically by preventing apoptosis in effector/memory T cells and enhancing NK cell activity. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis. This combination was evaluated in a Phase 2 pilot study led by Augusta University as an adjuvant treatment for patients with surgically resected pancreatic cancer to prevent recurrence by leveraging both direct cytotoxic effects and immune system activation.

Brand names

Gemzar

Other names

pidilizumab and gemcitabine