Dexrazoxane

Dexrazoxane (pronounced dex-ra-ZOX-ane) is a medication used in the treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and as a chemoprotective agent in patients receiving doxorubicin therapy.

Etymology

The term "Dexrazoxane" is derived from its chemical name, which is 4,4'-(1-methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)bis-2,6-piperazinedione.

Usage

Dexrazoxane is primarily used to reduce the incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy associated with doxorubicin administration in women with metastatic breast cancer who have received a cumulative doxorubicin dose of 300 mg/m² and will continue to receive doxorubicin therapy to maintain tumor control. It is not recommended for use with the initiation of doxorubicin therapy.

Mechanism of Action

Dexrazoxane is a chelating agent. It is thought to work by inhibiting the formation of free radicals and by chelating iron, which reduces the amount of iron available to participate in redox cycling with anthracyclines. This, in turn, reduces the formation of the superoxide radical and the subsequent formation of the highly reactive and damaging hydroxyl radical.

Side Effects

Common side effects of dexrazoxane include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and leukopenia. Serious side effects may include myelosuppression, infection, and secondary malignancies.

Related Terms

• Anthracycline
• Cardiotoxicity
• Doxorubicin
• Cardiomyopathy
• Breast cancer
• Chelating agent
• Free radicals
• Iron
• Superoxide radical
• Hydroxyl radical
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Leukopenia
• Myelosuppression
• Infection
• Secondary malignancies

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dexrazoxane
• Wikipedia's article - Dexrazoxane

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