Dacarbazine-LENS

Dacarbazine-LENS is an antitumor drug that is destructive to pathological cells.

The drug's principle of action is based on disrupting the structure of DNA, which prevents the division of cancer cells and triggers the process of cell death.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Indications Dacarbazine-LENS

Dacarbazine-LENS is prescribed for metastatic melanoma.

The drug can also be prescribed as part of a combination treatment for soft tissue sarcoma and Hodgkin's disease (lymphogranulomatosis).

There is evidence that the drug has shown good efficacy as a combination therapy for:

• small cell lung cancer,
• uterine sarcoma,
• osteogenic sarcoma,
• mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum,
• insulinoma,
• carcinoid,
• pheochromocytoma,
• thyroid cancer,
• neuroblastoma,
• glioma.

Release form

Dacarbazine-LENS is available in vials containing powder for the preparation of injection solution. Special vials made of light-protective glass with a volume of 100 and 200 mg can be supplied individually in a cardboard pack or 5, 10, 20 pcs. in a cardboard package with partitions.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Pharmacodynamics

Dacarbazine-LENS is a drug that suppresses tumor growth and has a detrimental effect on pathological cells. The drug's activity is manifested after metabolization in the liver.

It is generally accepted that the drug acts in three directions: inhibition of organic compounds (purine bases), inhibition of cancer cell growth and interaction with SH groups.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Dacarbazine-LENS after intravenous administration shows a rather low protein binding (approximately 5%). The highest concentration in the blood is observed after intravenous administration.

The drug is able to penetrate the physiological barrier between the central nervous system and the circulatory system in small doses. There is no data on the ability of the drug to overcome the placental barrier and penetrate into breast milk.

The drug is eliminated in two periods, the first - about 20 minutes after administration, the second - about 5 hours later. If the kidneys or liver are not functioning properly, the elimination period increases (initial - 55 minutes and final - 7 hours). In the liver, with the help of microsomal enzymes, the drug is converted into carbon dioxide, which is then eliminated with exhalation, and aminoimidazole carboxamide, which is eliminated with urine.

About 40% of the drug is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Dosing and administration

Dacarbazine-LENS is prescribed by a doctor individually in each individual case of the disease.

The drug is administered intravenously only. Doses up to 200 mg are administered over one to two minutes, larger doses are administered via IV drips over 15-30 minutes.

As the main treatment, dacarbazine-LENS is prescribed at 200-250 mg, the course of treatment is 5 days. After three weeks, the course is repeated.

In combination treatment, 100-150 mg is prescribed, the course of treatment is 4-5 days (repeat the course after 4 weeks) or 375 mg is administered once every 15 days.

To prepare a solution for injection, the powder is diluted with water (10 mg/1 ml). To prepare a solution for a dropper, 200-300 ml of the drug is diluted with a 5% dextrose solution or sodium chloride solution.

[ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ]

Use Dacarbazine-LENS during pregnancy

Dacarbazine-LENS is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. It is recommended to use reliable contraception during treatment.

Contraindications

Dacarbazine-LENS is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to any components of the drug.

This medicine is not used in cases of severe suppression of hematopoiesis, liver or kidney dysfunction.

The drug is used with caution in concomitant radiation therapy, acute infectious or viral diseases, fungal and bacterial infections.

[ 13 ]

Side effects Dacarbazine-LENS

Dacarbazine-LENS can provoke a decrease in hemoglobin, leukocytes, granulocytes, platelets, and suppression of the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow.

As a rule, the decrease in leukocytes occurs two weeks after the end of treatment, and platelets - on the 18-20th day. Usually, blood counts are restored by the end of the fourth week after the end of the course of treatment.

Treatment with dacarbazine may cause nausea, poor appetite, inflammation of the oral mucosa. In rare cases, bowel disorder and increased activity of liver enzymes develop. Very rarely, dysfunction of the hepatic veins is observed, which can also cause death (usually in the second course of treatment). In this case, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, and fever often occur. A serious condition can worsen in just a few hours.

The drug may cause headaches, vision problems, seizures, exhaustion, decreased skin sensitivity, numbness, drowsiness.

In women, the drug often leads to menstrual cycle disorders (menstruation disappears), while in men, a decrease in the level or complete absence of sperm in the seminal fluid often develops.

Often after treatment, pigment spots, baldness, increased skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light, allergic reactions, skin redness, and anaphylactic shock appear.

After the injection, severe pain may occur at the injection site and along the vein. If the drug gets under the skin, it leads to sharp pain and tissue necrosis.

Long-term treatment with dacarbazine-LENS increases the risk of developing new tumors.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Overdose

Dacarbazine-LENS at high dosages leads to suppression of hematopoietic function and digestive disorders.

[ 20 ], [ 21 ]

Interactions with other drugs

Dacarbazine-LENS may enhance the effect (in particular, toxic) of azathioprine, phenobarbital, allopurinol, mercaptopurine. Phenytoin, rifampicin, barbiturates may enhance the toxic effect of dacarbazine.

The drug may increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation after methoxypsoralen.

According to its chemical composition, dacarbazine-LENS is incompatible with sodium bicarbonate, E-cystine, hydrocortisone, and heparin.

[ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ]

Storage conditions

Dacarbazine-LENS should be stored at a temperature of 2 to 8 ⁰ C, in a dry place where sunlight does not penetrate.

Dacarbazine should be kept out of the reach of children.

[ 25 ]

Shelf life

Dacarbazine-LENS is valid for two years from the date of manufacture, provided that the packaging and storage conditions are maintained. The drug cannot be used after the expiration date.

[ 26 ], [ 27 ], [ 28 ]