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Generic Name: Daunorubicin
Brand Name(s): Cerubidine®
IUPAC: (7S,9S)-9-acetyl-7-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-5-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-6,9,11-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-8,10-dihydro-7H-tetracene-5,12-dione
FDA Approval: yes
Manufacturer Link
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Usage: Daunorubicin is used to treat acute nonlymphocytic
leukemia in adults and acute lymphocytic leukemia in adults and children. It is administered in an intravenous infusion.
(1)Mechanism: Daunorubicin (Cerubidine®) is an anthracycline antibiotic that exerts its effects on cancer cells primarily through two mechanisms. Intercalation occurs when the drug wedges between the bases of
DNA. This blocks DNA from being copied (
replication) or being used to make proteins. The drug also inhibits (reduce) the activity of an
enzyme,
topoisomerase type II. This leads to breaks in the genomic DNA.
Side Effects: Common side effects include: bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, infection due to bone marrow suppression, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Patients should note that after an infusion the urine may have a temporary red tinting.
Daunorubicin is a strong suppressor of bone marrow activity. It is important to monitor blood cell and platelet counts throughout the duration of treatment. Daunorubicin may also have toxic effects on other systems, therefore, renal (kidney) function, and hepatic (liver) function tests should be performed routinely. Also, cardiac function must be monitored to avoid irreversible effects of toxicity. Evaluations of the function of these systems should be made before each infusion.
Contraindications: Daunorubicin should not be taken by women who are pregnant and patients should not become pregnant while using this drug, as it may have harmful affects on the developing fetus. This drug may have effects on fertility after treatment has ended.
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