chemotherapy drugs
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my sister just saw radiologist and oncologist today. they have recommended gemzar 1 time a week for 3 weeks than 1 week off, followed by 5 weeks of daily radiation and fluorouracil chemo followed by another 3 cycles of gemzar. she had successful resection surgery two weeks ago. the only problem was instead of a 2cm margin the doctor had one site near the vein could only get a 2 mm margin. this is why they are saying she needs this schedule. we are still going to look for another couple opinions. i would appreciate it if anyone has been given a similar opinion.
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http://www.refresheverything.com/chemo101MattyD, I had my liver resection surgery 6 years ago. Following post-surgery, they prescribed Xeloda (pill form) in addition to radiation. The thought, or plan, was the combination of Xeloda and radiation would kill off any remaining microscopic cancer if any remained. At the time, my doctors didn’t mention anything about using Gemzar. I wish the best for your mother-in-law.
Dale
Thank you for all your replies. My mother in-law had her first Gemzar treatment and is doing fine. In Japan too you should listen to the doctors decision. My wife asked for other options besides or in addition to Gemzar, but at her hospital they don`t do that. It`s hard to talk to doctors here. They all think that surgery is the only answer. Very cut and dry. Best wishes to all!
Matty…..This link will lead you to an ASCO abstract describing TS-1.
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=40&abstractID=32148.TS-1 is an oral agent.
Xeloda is the (somewhat) oral version of 5-FU, which is one of the oldest chemotherapy drugs in use.
Gemzar is administered intraveniously.
We have not seen, on this board, the combination of TS-1 and Gemzar however, Xeloda and Gemzar (gemcitabine) are prescribed frequently.
Best wishes,
MarionMattyD- Hello to you!
FYI- I have ICC, unresectable, very large tumor originally. Diagnosed Jan-Feb 2010. Treated with Gemzar, Xeloda, and Oxaliplatin chemo from March-June, in addition to naturopathically-recommended supplementation. Tumor shrunk by perhaps 1/3 or more to just over 1/2 to 3/5 its former size, depending on the type of measurement. Could take no more chemo at that point because of blood and platelet counts/bone marrow threat. Now scheduled for SBRT (external radiation) over the next two weeks, after which the chemo onc says he will continue me on Gemzar and Xeloda only starting at some point after completion of radiation.
Hope this info is of help.
God Bless you and yours.
-Tom
Gemzar (gemcitabine) is administered intravenously and is a chemical which basically stops tumour growth by attaching to the cancer cells (and other fast multiplying cells) and encouraging them to commit ‘cell suicide’.
Xeloda (capecitabine) is given in tablet form (usually twice daily) and works slightly differently in that it targets the cancer cells and then transforms itself in the cell to stop it from growing.
The two work along similar lines but are not the same, for example a regimen called GemCap can be used for pancreatic cancer.
It frustrates me when doctors tell people different things – where is your doctor getting his information from that only Gemzar should be used for post surgery treatment? There have been no studies to prove this. My dad has just completed a trial of Capecitabine for post surgery treatment (BilCap is the name of the trial).
The problem with cc is that investigations are going on all the time and no one knows which combinations work best. Usually members on this board agree that they would like to see some chemo post surgery, if only to know that you have done all you can to prevent a recurrence. It often is a matter of doctors opinion (esp here in the UK, where you really do have to go with what your doctor suggests).
Hope that helps.
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