Doxorubicin

Definition

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic commonly used as a chemotherapeutic agent. It works by intercalating DNA, thereby inhibiting the replication of cancer cells and certain viruses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Doxorubicin is used to treat various types of cancers including leukemia and lymphomas, which are diseases affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
2. It can cause cardiotoxicity, impacting the heart's ability to function properly, which is crucial for patients with circulatory system infections.
3. Doxorubicin's mechanism involves creating free radicals that damage cellular components, including DNA in both cancerous and normal cells.
4. Patients undergoing doxorubicin treatment are monitored for signs of immunosuppression, making them more susceptible to viral infections.
5. The drug is administered intravenously and dosage must be carefully managed to minimize severe side effects.

Review Questions

• What types of diseases are primarily treated with doxorubicin?
• How does doxorubicin affect the heart and why is this significant?
• Why must patients on doxorubicin be closely monitored for viral infections?

Related terms

Anthracycline: A class of drugs used in cancer therapy that interfere with enzymes involved in DNA replication.

Cardiotoxicity: Damage to the heart muscle which can be a side effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin.

Immunosuppression: A reduction in the efficiency of the immune system's ability to fight infections and other diseases.