Last reviewed · How we verify
Ara-C
Ara-C is a cytidine analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by being incorporated into DNA and blocking cell division, primarily affecting rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Ara-C is a cytidine analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by being incorporated into DNA and blocking cell division, primarily affecting rapidly dividing cancer cells. Used for Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in blast crisis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ara-C |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Cytarabine, Cytosar-U®, DepoCyt, Cytosine arabinosine hydrochloride, Arabinosylcytosine |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog, antimetabolite |
| Target | DNA polymerase, ribonucleotide reductase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ara-C (cytarabine) is a nucleoside analog that mimics cytidine and becomes incorporated into DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle. Once integrated, it inhibits DNA polymerase and prevents further DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. It is particularly effective against hematologic malignancies where rapidly dividing cells are most vulnerable to disruption of nucleotide metabolism.
Approved indications
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in blast crisis
- Lymphoma
Common side effects
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mucositis
- Diarrhea
- Cerebellar syndrome (high-dose)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Alopecia
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of the Anti-cancer Drug Venetoclax and/or the Anti-cancer Immunotherapy Blinatumomab to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Infants With Newly Diagnosed KMT2A-rearranged or KMT2A-non-rearranged Leukemia (PHASE2)
- A Study to Investigate Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- Pediatric-Inspired Regimen Combined With Venetoclax and Immunotherapy for Adult Ph-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (NA)
- Testing the Addition of Venetoclax or Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) to Usual Treatment Regimen (Cytarabine and Daunorubicin, "7+3") for Core Binding Factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia (CBF-AML) to Improve Response (A MyeloMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- Ibrutinib Before and After Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- Standard-dose vs Intermediate-dose Cytarabine Induction in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia With RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (PHASE3)
- Comparing Cytarabine + Daunorubicin Therapy Versus Cytarabine + Daunorubicin + Venetoclax Versus Venetoclax + Azacitidine in Younger Patients With Intermediate Risk AML (A MyeloMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- MYELOMATCH: A Screening Study to Assign People With Myeloid Cancer to a Treatment Study or Standard of Care Treatment Within myeloMATCH (MyeloMATCH Screening Trial) (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |