Frequently Asked Questions   /   Types of Cancer   /   Gynecologic Cancers   /   Ovarian Cancer

Gemcitabine for the treatment of ovarian cancer

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Christina S. Chu, MD
Last Modified: April 21, 2002

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
Have you or any of your colleagues used Gemzar in the treatment of ovarian cancer? I would like to know of any stats on the success of this chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.  

Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds:

Gemcitabine (brand name Gemzar^®) is generally used as a second-line treatment for recurrent or persistent ovarian cancer. In general, the rate of response to this chemotherapy is about 15-20%. This means that 15-20% of patients with recurrent or persistent disease will have shrinkage of their tumor after treatment with gemcitabine.