Azacitidine is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It works by interfering with the production of DNA, the genetic material in cells. This can slow the growth of cancer cells and may help them to die. Azacitidine is given intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given in cycles of four to six weeks. Common side effects of azacitidine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low red blood cell counts.
Azacitidine, sold under brand names like Vidaza and Onureg, is a medication used to treat several blood cancers, including:
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): This is a group of conditions where the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells.
- Myeloid leukemia (AML): This is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML): This is a slow-growing blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.
Azacitidine belongs to a class of medications called demethylating agents. It works by altering the chemical makeup of DNA in cancer cells, impacting their growth and survival. Here's a breakdown of its mechanism of action:
- Hypomethylation: Azacitidine primarily acts by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase, an enzyme responsible for adding methyl groups to DNA. This process, called hypomethylation, changes the way genes are expressed in cancer cells, potentially leading to their death or differentiation (maturing into healthy cells).
- Cytotoxicity: At higher doses, Azacitidine can also directly harm and kill cancer cells by incorporating itself into their DNA and RNA, disrupting their essential functions.
Administration and potential side effects:
- Azacitidine is typically administered subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare professional. The specific dosage and schedule will depend on the individual and the type of cancer being treated.
- As with any medication, Azacitidine can cause side effects. Some common ones include:
- Low blood cell counts (making you more susceptible to infections and bleeding)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)