About
Doxorubicin is a potent anthracycline cytotoxic antibiotic, a cornerstone in modern cancer chemotherapy, renowned for its broad spectrum of antineoplastic activity. Its primary mechanism involves intercalation into DNA, which disrupts topoisomerase II activity, thereby inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis. Furthermore, doxorubicin generates reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative damage to cellular components, including DNA and cell membranes. These combined actions induce cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in rapidly proliferating malignant cells. Administered intravenously, it is extensively metabolized in the liver, with its primary excretion pathway being biliary. Its established efficacy makes it indispensable in the treatment of various solid tumors, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and sarcomas, as well as hematological malignancies like lymphomas and leukemias. It is often used in combination regimens to maximize therapeutic outcomes and overcome drug resistance, despite its notable cardiotoxicity.
Uses
- Treatment of breast cancer
- Management of lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
- Therapy for acute leukemias
- Treatment of soft tissue and bone sarcomas
Directions For Use
Administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. Dosage and frequency are determined by the patient's condition and treatment protocol.
Benefits
- Effective against a wide range of cancers
- Induces remission in various malignancies
- Can be used in combination chemotherapy regimens
- Potent cytotoxic activity against rapidly dividing cells
- Available in different formulations for clinical flexibility
- Established efficacy in oncology protocols
Side Effects
- Myelosuppression (low blood counts)
- Cardiotoxicity (heart damage)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Mucositis (inflammation of mucous membranes)
- Stomatitis (mouth sores)
- Fatigue
- Red discoloration of urine
- Extravasation at injection site
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea
- Hyperpigmentation of skin and nails
Safety Measures
- Alcohol - Avoid alcohol during doxorubicin treatment as it may exacerbate liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects.
- Pregnancy - Doxorubicin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. Effective contraception is required.
- Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is contraindicated during doxorubicin therapy due to potential harm to the infant.
- Liver - Use with extreme caution in patients with impaired liver function; dose adjustments are often necessary due to altered metabolism and increased toxicity risk.
- Kidney - While primarily hepatically metabolized, caution is advised in severe renal impairment, though dose adjustment is less critical than for liver dysfunction.
- Lung - Doxorubicin is not directly associated with primary lung toxicity, but patients with pre-existing lung conditions should be monitored for general systemic effects.
Disclaimer
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