Description
Doxorubicin is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces peucetius var. caesius. Doxorubicin, which is the established name for (8S,10S)-10-[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-a-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-8-glycolyl-7,8,9,10- tetrahydro-6,8,11trihydroxy-1-methoxy-5,12 naphthacenedione hydrochloride. The molecular formula of the drug is C27 H29 NO11HCl; its molecular weight is 579.99.
Doxorubicin binds to nucleic acids, presumably by specific intercalation of the planar anthracycline nucleus with the DNA double helix. The anthracycline ring is lipophilic, but the saturated end of the ring system contains abundant hydroxyl groups adjacent to the amino sugar, producing a hydrophilic center. The molecule is amphoteric, containing acidic functions in the ring phenolic groups and a basic function in the sugar amino group. It binds to cell membranes as well as plasma proteins.
Indications and Usage
Doxorubicin has been used successfully to produce regression in disseminated neoplastic conditions such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, Wilms' tumor, neuroblastoma, soft tissue and bone sarcomas, breast carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, transitional cell bladder carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, Hodgkin's disease, malignant lymphoma and bronchogenic carcinoma in which the small cell histologic type is the most responsive compared to other cell types.
Doxorubicin is also indicated for use as a component of adjuvant therapy in women with evidence of axillary lymph node involvement following resection of primary breast cancer.
Supply
Adribin® Injection 10 mg: Each vial contains Doxorubicin Hydrochloride USP 10 mg as 2 mg/ml concentrated solution.
Adribin® Injection 50 mg: Each vial contains Doxorubicin Hydrochloride USP 50 mg as 2 mg/ml concentrated solution.