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Generic Name: Decitabine
Brand Name(s): Dacogen®
IUPAC:
FDA Approval: yes
Manufacturer Link
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Usage: Decitabine is approved to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) of many different subtypes. Cycles of intravenous infusion are used to administer decitabine. Patients are often premedicated with anti-nausea medications. Decitabine may cause severe reactions affecting the lungs, heart, brain, liver and bilirubin.
Mechanism: Decitabine (Dacogen®) is a nucleoside analog that incorporates directly into
DNA and is believed to inhibit DNA methyltransferase. This may function in cancer cells to restore normal function to genes necessary for the control of cell
proliferation and promote
apoptosis of damaged cells.
Side Effects: Side effects include: Low blood counts (platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells,
infection, fever, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Contraindications: Decitabine has the potential to harm a developing fetus, therefore women should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and pregnant women should be warned of this risk. Men should not father a child during or immediately following treatment. Additionally, new mothers should discontinue nursing infants during treatment.
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