New and Emerging Treatments in Lung Cancer
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Amrubicin
Generic drug name: |
Amrubicin hydrochloride |
Brand/trade name: |
N/A |
Manufactured by: |
Celgene |
FDA approval: |
Not approved for treatment of lung cancer, fast tracked by the FDA in September 2008 |
Type of drug: |
Chemotherapy |
Overview:
Amrubicin is a topoisomerase II inhibitor. Topoisomerase is produced in the body and is necessary for cells to divide and grow. In order for cancer cells to divide (which leads to tumor growth), cells must copy the genetic material contained in their DNA. Amrubicin prevents the cells from copying genetic materials and the cancer cells die. Amrubicin has been approved for the treatment of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer in Japan since 2002.
Clinical trials:
Amrubicin continues to be studied for the treatment of small cell lung cancer
Treatment Overview:
Amrubicin is injected into a vein, doses used in recent clinical trial doses were 40-45 mg for the first three consecutive days of each 21 day cycle. Typical side effects include low blood counts, diminished appetite and fatigue.
