Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment - Gemzar.com (gemcitabine HCl for injection)

About Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer takes different forms. Understanding these different forms, or "types" is important because they influence the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Make sure you discuss these types and any symptoms you may be having with your healthcare team.

Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
GEMZAR is approved by the FDA in combination with cisplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of patients (for whom surgery is not possible) with locally advanced (stage IIIA or stage IIIB) or metastatic (stage IV or cancer that has spread) non-small cell lung cancer.

GEMZAR can suppress bone marrow function, which may cause low blood cell counts.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 85% to 90% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer.¹ NSCLC is defined as a group of histologies, that is, tumor types differentiated by the structure of their cells. These histologies are often classified together because to date, approaches to diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and treatment have been similar.

The most common NSCLC histology types are squamous carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma.

Squamous carcinoma: About 25% to 30% of all lung cancers are called "squamous" cell carcinomas. These cancers tend to be found in the middle of the lungs.¹
Adenocarcinoma: This type of non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 40% of all lung cancers. Adenocarcinomas are usually found in the outer portions of lung.¹
Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma: This type of non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. A large cell carcinoma may appear in any part of the lung, and tends to grow and spread quickly, making it harder to treat.¹

"Nonsquamous" includes adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and all other histologies except squamous cell type.

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Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer²
Lung cancer symptoms usually occur when the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. But seeing your healthcare team when you first notice symptoms might enable your cancer to be diagnosed and treated while still in a curable stage. Early detection can improve the likelihood that treatment can extend your life.

Although the symptoms listed here can have many causes, it is important for you to see your healthcare team as soon as possible, just in case.

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

Chest pain that may feel worse with coughing or laughing, or even deep breathing
Bloody or rust-colored spit or phlegm
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Cough that does not go away
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis, which continue to come back
Hoarseness

Symptoms that may indicate lung cancer has spread to distant organs include:

Limb weakness or numbness, dizziness, headache, or seizure
Pain in the bones
Lumps near the surface of the body
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Remember to contact your healthcare team if you have any of these symptoms so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

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Now let's take a look at the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer.

Indications and Important Safety Information for GEMZAR

GEMZAR is approved by the FDA in combination with carboplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the patient with advanced ovarian cancer that has returned at least 6 months after the patient had finished platinum-based therapy.

GEMZAR is approved by the FDA in combination with cisplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of patients (for whom surgery is not possible) with locally advanced (stage IIIA or stage IIIB) or metastatic (stage IV or cancer that has spread) non-small cell lung cancer.

GEMZAR is approved by the FDA in combination with paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after they have received another type of chemotherapy called an anthracycline, unless their medical condition did not allow them to receive an anthracycline.

GEMZAR is approved by the FDA as a single agent (given alone) as the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced (stage II or stage III when surgery is not an option) or metastatic (stage IV) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. GEMZAR is also indicated for patients previously treated with 5-FU (another type of chemotherapy).

GEMZAR can suppress bone marrow function, which may cause low blood cell counts.

GEMZAR may not be appropriate for some patients.

If you are allergic to GEMZAR, tell your doctor because you should not receive it.

GEMZAR given for longer than 60 minutes or more than once a week has caused increased side effects.

You should call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infection, such as a fever or chills. If you notice bleeding, unexplained bruising, or symptoms of anemia, contact your healthcare team, as these can be symptoms of low blood cell counts.

Serious lung problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported with GEMZAR. Tell your healthcare team if you develop breathing problems.

There have been reports of serious kidney or liver damage including failure with GEMZAR treatment, sometimes fatal. If you have had kidney or liver problems or impairment, please tell your healthcare team. GEMZAR may not be right for you.

You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with GEMZAR. Your doctor may adjust your dose of GEMZAR or delay your treatment based on the results of your blood tests and on your general condition.

If you think you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team.

Patients who receive radiation therapy before, during, or after receiving GEMZAR may sometimes experience more side effects, especially at the site of the radiation.

Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

There is a risk of side effects associated with GEMZAR therapy. The most common side effects are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets); fever; infection; hair loss; tiredness; nausea; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea; rash; shortness of breath; muscle aches; blood in urine; hearing changes and numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers. These are not all of the side effects of GEMZAR. Lab work may identify additional side effects. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away, be sure to talk with your doctor. Call your healthcare team right away if you have fever or chills. These symptoms could mean you have an infection.

If you are pregnant, GEMZAR may cause fetal harm to your unborn baby. It is not known if GEMZAR passes into breast milk; because of the potential for serious side effects in nursing infants, discuss breast feeding and GEMZAR with your doctor. The safety and effectiveness of GEMZAR in children has not been established.

For more information about all of the side effects of GEMZAR, please talk with your healthcare team, see the full Prescribing Information, or call 1-800-545-5979.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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