Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
About GEMZAR
Resources
Important Safety Information
Prescribing Information
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Types of Pancreatic Cancer

Learning as much as you can about pancreatic cancer is an important part of preparing for the decisions that you and your healthcare team have to make.

The most common malignant tumors of the pancreas, known as adenocarcinoma, come from the gland cells involved in the production of enzymes for digestion. These cells make up the lining of the pancreatic duct, through which digestive and pancreatic juices flow. Cancer can also occur in the cells that make insulin, but that kind of cancer is much less common. Cancer of the pancreatic duct cells often is referred to as "pancreatic cancer" or "adenocarcinoma of the pancreas."1

It is important to know which part of the pancreas a tumor is from because each has certain signs and symptoms, is found using different tests, and is treated differently.1

A risk factor is something that affects a person's chance of getting a disease such as pancreatic cancer.2

Risk Factors
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown, although several risk factors have been linked to the disease. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or race, can't be changed. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will get the disease.2

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

Now let's review the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

References:

  1. American Cancer Society. What Is Cancer of the Pancreas? Available at:
    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/....
    Accessed March 3, 2008.
  2. American Cancer Society. What Causes Pancreatic Cancer? Available at:
    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/....
    Accessed March 3, 2008.


About GEMZAR

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

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

GEMZAR in combination with paclitaxel is approved by the FDA 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 indicated 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).

Important Safety Information

GEMZAR may not be appropriate for some patients.

If you are allergic to GEMZAR, tell your doctor you should not receive it. GEMZAR can suppress bone marrow function. There have been rare reports of serious kidney or liver toxicity with GEMZAR treatment, sometimes fatal. Serious lung toxicity has also been reported, sometimes fatal. If you think you are pregnant, are planning to be pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team. GEMZAR may harm your unborn or nursing baby.

If you have had prior kidney or liver problems or impairment, please tell your healthcare professional. GEMZAR may not be right for you. GEMZAR has not been shown to work in children. 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, and diarrhea; rash; shortness of breath; muscle aches; and numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers. These are not all of the side effects of GEMZAR. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn't go away, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have fever or chills. These symptoms could mean you have an infection.

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 test and on your general condition.

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

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