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Doxorubicin (A)
Doxorubicin intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, preventing DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells.
Doxorubicin intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, preventing DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells. Used for Breast cancer, Lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin), Acute leukemias.
At a glance
| Generic name | Doxorubicin (A) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ADRIAMYCIN® |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Anthracycline topoisomerase II inhibitor |
| Target | Topoisomerase II, DNA |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Doxorubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent that inserts itself between DNA base pairs (intercalation) and blocks topoisomerase II, an enzyme essential for DNA unwinding and repair. This dual mechanism leads to DNA strand breaks, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and ultimately cancer cell death. It is also believed to generate reactive oxygen species that contribute to its cytotoxic effects.
Approved indications
- Breast cancer
- Lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin)
- Acute leukemias
- Ovarian cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Soft tissue sarcoma
Common side effects
- Cardiotoxicity (dose-dependent)
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Alopecia
- Mucositis
- Diarrhea
- Infusion site reactions
Key clinical trials
- Nivolumab in Combination With Chemo-Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Ganitumab in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma (PHASE3)
- 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)
- Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Hydrochloride With Atezolizumab and/or Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Recurrent Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) in People With Breast Cancer (MK-2870-032) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Investigate Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- Virotherapy and Natural History Study of KHSV-Associated Multricentric Castleman s Disease With Correlates of Disease Activity (PHASE2)
- Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma (PHASE3)
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 |