Utidelone

Utidelone is a chemotherapy drug that is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is a semi-synthetic analogue of epothilone, a substance produced by the bacteria Sorangium cellulosum. Utidelone is classified as a microtubule inhibitor, which means it works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing.

Mechanism of Action

Utidelone binds to the beta-tubulin subunit of microtubules, stabilizing their structure and preventing their disassembly. This disrupts the normal function of the microtubules, which are essential for cell division and other important cellular processes. As a result, the cancer cells are unable to divide and grow, leading to their death.

Clinical Use

Utidelone is used in combination with capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy drug, for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. This combination has been shown to be effective in patients who have previously received anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy.

Side Effects

Like all chemotherapy drugs, utidelone can cause side effects. The most common side effects include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), nausea, and vomiting. Less common side effects include alopecia (hair loss), diarrhea, and fatigue.

Research

Research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of utidelone in other types of cancer and to better understand its mechanism of action. Early studies suggest that it may also be effective in the treatment of ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and gastric cancer.