[The role of gemcitabine in hematology]

Abstract

In spite of its close chemical similarities with cytarabine, gemcitabine was first evaluated in the treatment of solid tumors. However recent studies performed in patients with hematological malignancies have shown interesting therapeutic potential. Response to single agent gemcitabine have been observed in patients with Hodgkin's disease, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and in certain cases of aggressive B cell lymphoma. These preliminary results show high response rates with acceptable toxicity and justify the incorporation of gemcitabine in combination regimens for the treatment of selected lymphoproliferative disorders.