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Dacarbazine (DTIC)
Dacarbazine is an alkylating agent that cross-links DNA, preventing cell division and causing cancer cell death.
Dacarbazine is an alkylating agent that cross-links DNA, preventing cell division and causing cancer cell death. Used for Metastatic melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Soft tissue sarcoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dacarbazine (DTIC) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | DTIC-Dome, DTIC |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| Drug class | Alkylating agent |
| Target | DNA |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Dacarbazine functions as a prodrug that requires hepatic activation to form the active alkylating metabolite. Once activated, it covalently binds to DNA bases, creating inter- and intra-strand cross-links that disrupt DNA replication and transcription. This DNA damage triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Approved indications
- Metastatic melanoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
Common side effects
- Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anemia
- Hepatotoxicity
- Alopecia
- Flu-like syndrome
Key clinical trials
- Vorinostat and Temozolomide in Treating Patients With Malignant Gliomas (PHASE1)
- Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma (PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Selinexor, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Temozolomide) for Brain Tumors That Have Returned After Previous Treatment (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Temozolomide With or Without Veliparib in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Study of Tislelizumab, Pamiparib, and Other Investigational Agents in Participants With Advanced Malignancies (PHASE3)
- Testing the Combination of the Anti-Cancer Drugs Temozolomide and M1774 to Evaluate Their Safety and Effectiveness (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study to Compare Standard Therapy to Treat Hodgkin Lymphoma to the Use of Two Drugs, Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab (PHASE3)
- Veliparib, Radiation Therapy, and Temozolomide in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Malignant Glioma Without H3 K27M or BRAFV600 Mutations (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 |