Cyclophosphamide (Fig. 1.2) is a very old anticancer drug developed in the 1950s. It is an alkylating agent that may be categorized as a nitrogen mustard.
Fig. 1.2 Cyclophosphamide and related compounds
Although cyclophosphamide (Fig. 1.2)
is an analog of nitrogen mustard, it is a prodrug and inactive as opposed to
nitrogen mustard. Cyclophosphamide is a prodrug (i.e., it is metabolized and
become active in the body); it is metabolized in the liver by oxidase enzymes
to become 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, which co-exists with its tautomer,
aldophosphamide (Fig. 1.2).
Cyclophosphamide is administered by
either i.v. injection or oral administration
(25 and 50 mg tablets). It is often used in combination with other anticancer
drugs to treat solid tumors in the lymphatic cells of the immune system
(lymphomas) and some other types of cancers. In addition to its anticancer
effect, cyclophosphamide also suppresses the immune system and is also referred
to as immunosuppressive.
Potential side effects of
cyclophosphamide include bone marrow suppression (causing leucopenia, anemia,
and thrombocytopenia), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and alopecia.
Cyclophosphamide may cause kidney failure, and it also may affect the heart and
lungs. Cyclophosphamide may also cause inflammation of the urinary bladder with
bleeding (hemorrhagic cystitis). This can result in lower abdominal pain,
problems urinating due to blood clots, and anemia due to loss of blood.
© Jiajiu Shaw, 2018
Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.
