Mitoxantrone(CAS: 65271-80-9) 

Basic Information

Mitoxantrone (INN, BAN, USAN. Also known as Mitozantrone (is the generic name

in Australia)) is an anthracenedione (not an anthracycline)antineoplastic agent.

Uses

It is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, mostly metastatic breast cancer,

 acute myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It was also shown to improve

the survival of children suffering from first relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

This combination has been the first line

of treatment, until recently, when combination of docetaxel and prednisone has been

shown to improve survival and disease-free period.

Mitoxantrone is also used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), most notably the subset known

as secondary progressive MS. Mitoxantrone will not cure multiple sclerosis, but is effective

in slowing the progression of secondary progressive MS and extending the time between

relapses in relapsing-remitting MS and progressive relapsing MS.

Mechanism of action

Human topoisomerase iibeta in complex with DNA and mitoxantrone. PDB entry 4g0v. Detail

showing mitoxantrone (spheres) intercalated with DNA.

Mitoxantrone is a type II topoisomerase inhibitor; it disrupts DNA synthesis and DNA repair

 in both healthy cells and cancer cells, by intercalation. between the DNA bases.

Side effects

As other medicine in its class, mitoxantrone may cause several adverse reactions of varying

severity, such as nausea,vomiting, hair loss, heart damage, and immunosuppression. Some side

effects may have delayed onset. Cardiomyopathyis a particularly concerning effect as it is

irreversible; regular monitoring with echocardiograms or MUGA scans is recommended

for people taking mitoxantrone.

The medication carries a total lifetime dose based on body surface area.