NCIt definition : A controlled-release intravesical system consisting of a small flexible tube-like
device with a solid core composed of gemcitabine, a broad-spectrum antimetabolite
and deoxycytidine analogue, with antineoplastic activity. Upon placement of the gemcitabine-releasing
intravesical system (GemRIS) into the bladder, gemcitabine is gradually and continuously
released from the system over an extended period of time before being removed from
the bladder. Upon release, 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 apoptosis of bladder tumor cells. In addition, dFdCDP inhibits ribonucleotide reductase
(RNR) and reduces the deoxynucleotide pool available for DNA synthesis.;