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AraC
AraC (cytarabine) is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by being incorporated into DNA and blocking chain elongation.
AraC (cytarabine) is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by being incorporated into DNA and blocking chain elongation. Used for Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in blast crisis.
At a glance
| Generic name | AraC |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Cytarabine, Ara-C, Arabinosylcytosine, Cytosar-U, cytosine arabinoside |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antimetabolite |
| Target | DNA polymerase; deoxycytidine kinase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
AraC is converted intracellularly to its active triphosphate form, which competes with deoxycytidine triphosphate for incorporation into DNA. Once incorporated, it causes chain termination and prevents further DNA replication, leading to cell death. It is primarily effective against rapidly dividing cells, particularly hematopoietic malignancies.
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
- Hepatotoxicity
- Neurotoxicity (at high doses)
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Testing the Use of Combination Therapy in Patients With Persistent Low Level Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Initial Treatment, The ERASE Study (A MyeloMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- Testing the Effects of Novel Therapeutics for Newly Diagnosed, Untreated Patients With High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia (A MyeloMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- Chemotherapy With Targeted-Immunotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Ph+ ALL (NA)
- New Double Epigenetic Regimen in the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Trial for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma (PHASE2)
- Tazemetostat and Palbociclib With CPX-351for R/R AML (PHASE1)
- Geriatric Assessment & Genetic Profiling to Personalize Therapy in Older Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia (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 |