Cytarabine

Definition

Cytarabine is a chemotherapy medication primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and lymphoblastic leukemia. It functions as a nucleoside analog that disrupts DNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of rapidly dividing cancer cells. Its role in treating conditions linked to DNA viruses makes it clinically important.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cytarabine is administered via injection, either subcutaneously or intravenously, depending on the treatment protocol.
2. It is known for its dose-dependent cytotoxicity, meaning higher doses can lead to increased effectiveness but also a greater risk of side effects.
3. Common side effects of cytarabine include nausea, vomiting, and suppression of bone marrow function, which can lead to anemia and increased infection risk.
4. Cytarabine is often used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance its efficacy against leukemia and other malignancies.
5. This drug is particularly important in treating relapsed or refractory cases of AML and can be part of high-dose therapy regimens.

Review Questions

• How does cytarabine's mechanism of action as a nucleoside analog affect its use in treating DNA viruses?
  • Cytarabine acts as a nucleoside analog that mimics the natural nucleosides necessary for DNA synthesis. By incorporating itself into the DNA strand during replication, it effectively disrupts the normal process of DNA synthesis. This action not only makes it effective against rapidly dividing cancer cells but also has implications for treating viral infections where DNA synthesis is crucial for viral replication.
• Discuss the role of cytarabine in combination therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Why is it often combined with other agents?
  • Cytarabine is frequently used in combination therapies for AML due to its potent effects on disrupting DNA synthesis. Combining cytarabine with other chemotherapeutic agents can lead to synergistic effects, enhancing overall treatment efficacy and improving patient outcomes. This strategy helps to tackle different mechanisms of resistance that cancer cells might develop and allows for more comprehensive targeting of malignant cells.
• Evaluate the clinical significance of cytarabine in the management of relapsed or refractory cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in light of recent advancements in treatment options.
  • Cytarabine remains a cornerstone in the treatment of relapsed or refractory AML, particularly with high-dose regimens. Despite advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, cytarabine's ability to effectively target rapidly dividing leukemic cells continues to make it an essential component in treatment protocols. Its established efficacy and familiarity among oncologists ensure that it will remain integral in managing complex cases where other treatments may have failed.

Related terms

nucleoside analog: A compound that mimics the structure of a nucleoside, which can interfere with nucleic acid synthesis, impacting both DNA and RNA viruses.

acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and affects the blood, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells.

DNA synthesis: The process by which a cell replicates its DNA before cell division, essential for cell growth and reproduction.