Cytarabine

Definition

Cytarabine is a chemotherapy agent used primarily to treat certain leukemias and lymphomas. It interferes with DNA synthesis, making it effective against rapidly dividing cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cytarabine is especially effective in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
2. It works by inhibiting DNA polymerase, which prevents cancer cell replication.
3. Cytarabine is administered intravenously or via an injection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, and neurotoxicity.
5. It is also used in high-dose regimens for central nervous system prophylaxis in leukemia patients.

Review Questions

• What types of cancers are most commonly treated with cytarabine?
• How does cytarabine interfere with cancer cell replication?
• What are some common side effects of cytarabine treatment?

Related terms

Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system.

Lymphoma: A group of blood cancers that develop from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).

DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, essential for DNA replication.