- Arm II: Patients receive gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, and 43 during the first course. After a 1-week rest period, patients receive gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15. Subsequent courses repeat every 28 days for 4 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.