Daunorubicin
Definition
Daunorubicin is an anti-cancer drug that kills cancer cells. The brand names are Dauno Xome for the liposomal formulation and Cerubidine for the daunorubicin hydrochloride formulation.
Purpose
Daunorubicin is available in two different formulations, the daunorubicin hydrochloride and daunorubicin citrate liposome. The liposomal daunorubicin formulation places the drug in lipid molecules. This formulation is able to penetrate cancer cells more effectively because of its smaller size, and it remains in the body longer when compared to the daunorubicin hydrochloride formulation. The daunorubicin hydrochloride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It is also sometimes used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and psoriasis. The liposomal formulation of daunorubicin is used to treat advanced HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.
Description
Daunorubicin interferes with the cells' production of DNA and RNA by inserting itself between the molecules that make up DNA and RNA. It also works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for repairing of DNA (topoisomerase II enzyme). The structure of daunorubicin is very similar to that of doxorubicin, and both drugs function in the same way.
Recommended dosage
In the treatment of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), the dose is 30 to 60 mg of daunorubicin per square meter of body surface area given for three to five days, and the dose is repeated every three to four weeks.
In acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 25 to 45 mg per square meter of body surface area of daunorubicin may be given on day one every week for four cycles, or alternatively may be given at a dose of 30 to 45 mg per square meter of body surface area for three days. The dose for patients receiving daunorubicin citrate liposome is 20 to 40 mg per square meter of body surface area every two weeks, or 100 mg per square meter of body surface area every three weeks.
Patients with decreased liver or kidney function may receive lower doses of the medication than other patients. This medication is usually administered directly into the vein (intravenous, or IV) over the course of three to five minutes. It may also be diluted in a solution to be given over fifteen minutes to one hour.
