Mitomycin
Brand and Other Names:
Mitomycin
Mechanism of Action:
Indications:
Route:
Dose:
Adverse Reactions:
Contraindication:
Warnings and Precautions:
FDA approved, though it’s used under different formulations and for specific indications.
GOOGLE OVERVIEW
Mitomycin is an antineoplastic antibiotic derived from Streptomyces caespitosus. It is used in the treatment of several types of cancer.
How it works
Mitomycin acts as an alkylating agent, interfering with DNA synthesis by cross-linking DNA strands. This prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to their destruction.
Uses
Mitomycin is used to treat various cancers, including:
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer (often instilled directly into the bladder)
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Anal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck malignancies
Administration
Mitomycin can be administered intravenously (into a vein) or directly into the bladder for treating superficial bladder cancer. In some cases, it may be used in combination with radiation therapy or other chemotherapy drugs.
Important considerations
- Mitomycin is a potent chemotherapy drug that can cause significant side effects.
- It's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and discuss them with your doctor before starting treatment.
- Mitomycin can affect rapidly dividing normal cells as well as cancer cells, leading to side effects like bone marrow suppression (low blood cell counts), which increases the risk of infection and bleeding.
- Close monitoring by a healthcare professional experienced in chemotherapy is essential during and after treatment with mitomycin.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
See package insert for full prescribing information.