Definition

A liposomal formulation in which gemcitabine, a broad-spectrum antimetabolite and deoxycytidine analogue, is encapsulated in liposomes, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration of gemcitabine liposome FF-10832, gemcitabine is converted into the active metabolites difluorodeoxycytidine diphosphate (dFdCDP) and difluorodeoxycytidine triphosphate (dFdCTP) by deoxycytidine kinase. dFdCTP competes with deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP) and is incorporated into DNA, resulting in premature termination of DNA replication and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. In addition, dFdCDP inhibits ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and reduces the deoxynucleotide pool available for DNA synthesis. This inhibits tumor cell proliferation.