Ixabepilone
Ixabepilone
Ixabepilone (pronounced as iks-a-be-pi-lone) is a semi-synthetic analog of epothilone B, a natural product isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. It is primarily used as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of aggressive metastatic or locally advanced breast cancers that are no longer responsive to other chemotherapies.
Etymology
The name "Ixabepilone" is derived from its chemical structure, which is an analog of epothilone B. The "ixa" prefix is a reference to its semi-synthetic nature, while "bepilone" is a reference to its parent compound, epothilone B.
Usage
Ixabepilone is used in the treatment of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with other chemotherapy medications. It is a type of antineoplastic agent that belongs to the group of medicines known as epothilones.
Mechanism of Action
Ixabepilone works by stopping the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the microtubule structures which help the cells to divide and multiply. It is a microtubule inhibitor and works in a similar way to taxanes, but has the advantage of being able to work in cells that have become resistant to taxanes.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Ixabepilone include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and peripheral neuropathy. More serious side effects can include neutropenia, a condition characterized by low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ixabepilone
- Wikipedia's article - Ixabepilone
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