Estramustine phosphate sodium
A chemotherapy medication used to treat prostate cancer
Drug Information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Image | 250 | ||
Identifiers
|
Chemical Data
|
Estramustine phosphate sodium is a chemotherapy medication used primarily in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is a combination of a nitrogen mustard and an estrogen, specifically designed to target and disrupt the growth of cancer cells in the prostate.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Estramustine phosphate sodium works by combining the properties of an alkylating agent and an estrogen. The nitrogen mustard component acts as an alkylating agent, which interferes with the DNA replication of cancer cells, leading to cell death. The estrogen component helps in targeting prostate cancer cells, which often rely on androgens for growth. By binding to estrogen receptors, estramustine can disrupt the hormonal environment that supports cancer cell proliferation.
Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]
After oral administration, estramustine phosphate sodium is absorbed and metabolized in the liver. It is converted into its active form, estramustine, which then exerts its therapeutic effects. The drug is primarily excreted through the kidneys.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
Estramustine phosphate sodium is indicated for the treatment of metastatic and/or progressive prostate cancer. It is often used in cases where other treatments, such as androgen deprivation therapy, have failed or are not suitable.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of estramustine phosphate sodium include nausea, vomiting, gynecomastia, and fluid retention. Due to its estrogenic activity, it may also cause cardiovascular side effects such as hypertension and thromboembolic events. Patients are monitored for these adverse effects during treatment.
Contraindications[edit | edit source]
Estramustine phosphate sodium is contraindicated in patients with a history of thromboembolic disorders, severe liver dysfunction, or known hypersensitivity to the drug. It is also contraindicated in pregnant women due to its teratogenic effects.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Template:Prostate cancer treatment Template:Chemotherapy drugs
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD