Ellen J B Derissen1,2, Alwin D R Huitema1,3, Hilde Rosing1, Jan H M Schellens4,5, Jos H Beijnen1,5. 1. Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital - The Netherlands Cancer Institute and MC Slotervaart, Louwesweg, 6, 1066, EC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands. 4. Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 5. Science Faculty, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmaco-epidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508, TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
AIMS: Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine; dFdC) is a prodrug that has to be phosphorylated within the tumour cell to become active. Intracellularly formed gemcitabine diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) are considered responsible for the antineoplastic effects of gemcitabine. However, a major part of gemcitabine is converted into 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (dFdU) by deamination. In the cell, dFdU can also be phosphorylated to its monophosphate (dFdUMP), diphosphate (dFdUDP) and triphosphate (dFdUTP). In vitro data suggest that these dFdU nucleotides might also contribute to the antitumour effects, although little is known about their intracellular pharmacokinetics (PK). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to gain insight into the intracellular PK of all dFdC and dFdU nucleotides formed during gemcitabine treatment. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected from 38 patients receiving gemcitabine, at multiple time points after infusion. Gemcitabine, dFdU and their nucleotides were quantified in PBMCs. In addition, gemcitabine and dFdU plasma concentrations were monitored. The individual PK parameters in plasma and in PBMCs were determined. RESULTS: Both in plasma and in PBMCs, dFdU was present in higher concentrations than gemcitabine [mean intracellular area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 h (AUC0-24 h ) 1650 vs. 95 μM*h]. However, the dFdUMP, dFdUDP and dFdUTP concentrations in PBMCs were much lower than the dFdCDP and dFdCTP concentrations. The mean AUC0-24 h for dFdUTP was 312 μM*h vs. 2640 μM*h for dFdCTP. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides the first complete picture of all nucleotides that are formed intracellularly during gemcitabine treatment. Low intracellular dFdU nucleotide concentrations were found, which calls into question the relevance of these nucleotides for the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine.
AIMS: Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine; dFdC) is a prodrug that has to be phosphorylated within the tumour cell to become active. Intracellularly formed gemcitabine diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) are considered responsible for the antineoplastic effects of gemcitabine. However, a major part of gemcitabine is converted into 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (dFdU) by deamination. In the cell, dFdU can also be phosphorylated to its monophosphate (dFdUMP), diphosphate (dFdUDP) and triphosphate (dFdUTP). In vitro data suggest that these dFdU nucleotides might also contribute to the antitumour effects, although little is known about their intracellular pharmacokinetics (PK). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to gain insight into the intracellular PK of all dFdC and dFdU nucleotides formed during gemcitabine treatment. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected from 38 patients receiving gemcitabine, at multiple time points after infusion. Gemcitabine, dFdU and their nucleotides were quantified in PBMCs. In addition, gemcitabine and dFdU plasma concentrations were monitored. The individual PK parameters in plasma and in PBMCs were determined. RESULTS: Both in plasma and in PBMCs, dFdU was present in higher concentrations than gemcitabine [mean intracellular area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 h (AUC0-24 h ) 1650 vs. 95 μM*h]. However, the dFdUMP, dFdUDP and dFdUTP concentrations in PBMCs were much lower than the dFdCDP and dFdCTP concentrations. The mean AUC0-24 h for dFdUTP was 312 μM*h vs. 2640 μM*h for dFdCTP. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides the first complete picture of all nucleotides that are formed intracellularly during gemcitabine treatment. Low intracellular dFdU nucleotide concentrations were found, which calls into question the relevance of these nucleotides for the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine.
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