Anthracyclines Flashcards
How many rings are chained in the anthracycline structure?
Four
What drug class is mitoxantrone? How many rings are chained in its structure?
Anthracendione; three
Which anthracycline is the prototype and most frequently used in the class?
Doxorubicin
What is doxorubicin’s brand name?
Adriamycin
What is a nickname for doxorubicin? Why is it called that?
“The Red Devil”; bright red coloring
What is the predominant mechanism of action of anthracyclines?
Toperisomerase II inhibition
How does toperisomerase II inhibition work in anthracyclines?
Covalently binds to toperisomerase II and DNA, but ultimately prevents re-ligation (like etoposide)
Is toperisomerase II inhibition in anthracyclines cell cycle specific or cell cycle non-specific?
Cell cycle specific
What are the other two mechanisms of action for anthracyclines?
DNA intercalation and free radical production
What is DNA intercalation?
The insertion of a drug (or something else) in between DNA base pairs. Results in single and double strand DNA breaks
Is DNA intercalation in anthracyclines cell cycle specific or cell cycle non-specific?
Cell cycle non-specific
What is free radical production?
Free radical production mediated by both enzymes and iron complexes. Reactive intermediates are then capable of damaging intracellular proteins and metabolites that can covalently bind to DNA. Historically believed to be a driving mechanism of the class’ cardiotoxicity and vesicant properties.
Is free radical production in anthracyclines cell cycle specific or cell cycle non-specific?
Cell cycle non-specific
What are the hallmark toxicities seen in anthracyclines?
Fair amount of myelosuppression and N/V, mucositis, and alopecia
What side effect of anthracyclines are you expected to know?
Cardiotoxicity. Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This is a class effect, and risk increases with cumulative exposure (lifetime maximum exposure)