Mitotane

Mitotane, also known as o,p'-DDD, is a medication used to treat advanced stages of adrenal cancer. It works by destroying the tumor cells in the adrenal gland. It is taken by mouth as a capsule or as a liquid. Common side effects of Mitotane include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue. More serious side effects may include liver damage, kidney damage, and changes in vision.

Mitotane is a medication specifically used to treat adrenal gland cancer. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:

Function:

• Unlike many chemotherapeutic drugs, Mitotane's exact mechanism of action isn't fully understood.
• It's believed to work by damaging the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal gland, which is often involved in adrenal cancers.
• This damage disrupts the production of hormones, particularly cortisol, and may also directly harm cancer cells.

Applications:

• Mitotane is primarily used to treat adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a cancerous tumor of the adrenal gland.
• It's typically used when surgery is not an option or after surgery to prevent cancer recurrence.

Administration:

• Mitotane comes as tablets taken by mouth, usually three to four times a day.
• The dosage is often gradually increased to minimize side effects.

Important Considerations:

• Due to its effect on cortisol production, Mitotane can lead to a condition called adrenal insufficiency.
• This requires taking replacement steroid hormones to manage symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure.
• Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and neurological problems.
• Mitotane requires close monitoring by a doctor due to the risk of side effects and the need for adjusting the dosage.