Azacytidine

Azacytidine

Azacytidine is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C8H12N4O5. It is a nucleoside analogue of cytidine with significant antineoplastic activity. Azacytidine is used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, a group of conditions where the bone marrow produces blood cells that are misshapen and unable to function normally.

Chemistry

Azacytidine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue where the carbon 5 atom is replaced by a nitrogen atom (hence the prefix 'aza'). It is incorporated into RNA and inhibits protein synthesis by interfering with the function of ribosomes. Azacytidine is also incorporated into DNA, where it covalently binds to DNA methyltransferases, which inhibits DNA methylation.

Pharmacology

Azacytidine is administered intravenously or subcutaneously. It is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed in the body. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. The half-life of azacytidine is approximately 4 hours.

Clinical Use

Azacytidine is used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or ones that don't work properly. Azacytidine helps in reducing the symptoms of this disease and improving the quality of life of patients. It is also used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow but often moves into the blood.

Side Effects

Common side effects of azacytidine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects can include low blood cell counts, infections, and liver problems.

See Also

• Nucleoside analogue
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Antineoplastic