Temozolomide is an anticancer medication used to treat brain tumors including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. It works as an alkylating agent, damaging tumor cell DNA by methylating guanine residues, which stops the cancer cells from dividing. The drug was approved in the European Union in January 1999 and in the United States in August 1999, and is usually taken orally or given intravenously in five day cycles followed by twenty three days of rest. Common side effects include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and reduced blood cell counts.
Facts
Drug ClassAlkylating agent anticancer medication 1 Mechanism of ActionAlkylates and methylates DNA at guanine N-7 and O-6 positions, killing tumor cells 1 Approved UseTreats newly diagnosed glioblastoma with radiotherapy then as monotherapy, and anaplastic astrocytoma 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskRisk of myelosuppression, increased when combined with other myelosuppressants 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountL: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents 2 Route of Administration Connections
Sources
1. Temozolomide (Wikipedia)
Pharmacology section
Temozolomide is an alkylating agent used to treat serious brain cancers
Mechanism of action section
The therapeutic benefit of temozolomide depends on its ability to alkylate/methylate DNA, which most often occurs at the N-7 or O-6 positions of guanine residues.
Medical uses section
In the United States, temozolomide is indicated for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma concomitantly with radiotherapy and subsequently as monotherapy treatment
History section
It was approved for medical use in the European Union in January 1999, and in the United States in August 1999.
Interactions section
Combining temozolomide with other myelosuppressants may increase the risk of myelosuppression.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temozolomide, lead section
oma and anaplastic astrocytoma. It is taken by mouth or via intravenous infusion.
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code LQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code L
Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.