Gemcitabine (Gemzar®) – Pancreatic cancer

Drug Name (Brand)	Gemcitabine *(Gemzar®)*
Indication	Pancreatic cancer
Traffic Light Classification	Red
NICE TA (plus link)	Guidance on the use of gemcitabine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer \| Guidance \| NICE
Further Information: NICE recommendations, summary of meeting discussions, links to additional supporting docs etc. NICE: Gemcitabine may be considered as a treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and a Karnofsky performance score of 50 or more, where first line chemotherapy is to be used. Gemcitabine is not recommended for patients who are suitable for potentially curative surgery, or patients with a Karnofsky (see Appendix D) score of less than 50. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of gemcitabine as a second line treatment in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Date of TAG recommendation / ratification		5/1/1998