Targeting metastatic leiomyosarcoma by rapamycin plus gemcitabine: an intriguing clinical observation

Int J Mol Med. 2004 Nov;14(5):931-5.

Abstract

The emerging anti-cancer approach is based on combining a 'traditional' cytotoxic drug with a 'signaling' blocking agent. Such combination, if designed and applied properly, may increase selectivity towards tumor cells. The use of such combinations requires smart planning and choice of the drugs to be combined, their proper dosing as well as correct sequence and schedule of application. The combination of the anti-metabolite gemcitabine and the mTOR blocker, rapamycin, has achieved an impressive response in a patient with metastatic leiomyosarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / surgery
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / chemically induced
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Leiomyosarcoma / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sirolimus / administration & dosage
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Sirolimus
  • Gemcitabine