Fludarabine | 21679-14-1

Fludarabine is a chemotherapy medication primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancers, particularly hematological malignancies. Here's an overview:

Mechanism of Action: Fludarabine is a nucleoside analog that interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It inhibits DNA polymerase, DNA primase, and DNA ligase enzymes, leading to DNA strand breakage and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms. This disruption of DNA synthesis ultimately induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

Indications: Fludarabine is commonly used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as other hematological malignancies such as indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. It may also be used in certain cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Administration: Fludarabine is typically administered intravenously (IV) in a clinical setting, although it may also be given orally in some cases. The dosage and schedule of administration depend on the specific cancer being treated, as well as the patient's overall health and response to treatment.

Adverse Effects: Common side effects of fludarabine include bone marrow suppression (leading to neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. It can also cause more severe adverse effects such as neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity in some cases.

Precautions: Fludarabine is contraindicated in patients with severe bone marrow suppression or impaired renal function. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney disease, as well as in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the potential for harm to the fetus or infant.

Drug Interactions: Fludarabine may interact with other medications, particularly those that affect bone marrow function or renal function. It is important for healthcare providers to review the patient's medication list carefully and monitor for potential drug interactions.

Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood counts and renal function is essential during treatment with fludarabine to assess for signs of bone marrow suppression or other adverse effects. Dose adjustments may be necessary based on these monitoring parameters.