sorafenib + gemcitabine

Sorafenib + gemcitabine is a combination of two small molecule chemotherapeutic agents used primarily in oncology clinical trials. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that targets serine/threonine kinases (such as Raf-1 and B-Raf) and receptor tyrosine kinases including Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1), Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β), KIT, FLT3, and RET. It inhibits tumor cell proliferation by blocking the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway and reduces angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF and PDGF signaling[6]. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog (deoxycytidine analog) that is phosphorylated intracellularly to active metabolites which inhibit DNA synthesis through masked chain termination during DNA replication[8]. The combination has been studied for synergistic effects in various cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney. Preclinical studies show enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest with the combination compared to either agent alone[1]. Clinical trials have explored its efficacy in advanced pancreatic cancer (with limited benefit)[2][5] and collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney (showing some disease control)[3].

Brand names

Nexavar

Other names

gemcitabine + sorafenib