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Pancreatic cancer - gemcitabine (TA25) |
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The use of gemcitabine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer
NICE has recommended that:
- People with advanced or metastatic (when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body) pancreatic cancer may be treated with gemcitabine as a first line treatment if they have a Karnofsky performance score of 50 or more.
- Karnofsky is a measure given by a health professional to a person's ability to perform certain ordinary tasks: 100 = normal, no complaints, 70 = unable to carry on normal activity, 50 = requires considerable assistance, 40 = disabled, 30 =hospitalisation recommended.
- Gemcitabine should not be used for people with pancreatic cancer who are suitable for surgery that may cure their cancer, or those who have a Karnofsky performance score of less than 50.
- Gemcitabine should not be used as a second line treatment for people with pancreatic cancer, because there is insufficient evidence to support this practice.
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Other information
- TA25 Pancreatic cancer - gemcitabine: guidance (web format)
- TA25 Pancreatic cancer - gemcitabine: guidance (html)
How this guidance was produced
Background information
This page was last updated: 16 December 2010
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Guidance formats
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Patient
The summary of the key recommendations in the guidance written for patients, carers and those with little medical knowledge and may be used in local patient information leaflets.
Quick Reference Guide
The quick reference guide presents recommendations for health professionals
NICE Guidance
The published NICE clinical guidance, contains the recommendations for health professionals and NHS bodies.
Full Guidance
The published full clinical guidance for specialists with background, evidence, recommendations and methods used.
