Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Adriamycin, Rubex
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. It belongs to the anthracycline class of antibiotics and works by interfering with DNA replication and RNA transcription in cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell death. Doxorubicin is commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat a variety of cancers.
Used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcomas.
Doxorubicin can cause heart damage (cardiomyopathy), which can lead to heart failure. The risk of heart damage is dose-related and increases with higher cumulative doses. Doxorubicin can also suppress bone marrow function (myelosuppression), leading to low blood cell counts and increased risk of infection and bleeding. Secondary malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia, have been reported.
Outcome:
Increased risk of cardiotoxicity
Mechanism:
Synergistic cardiotoxic effects
Outcome:
Increased risk of fluid retention
Mechanism:
Additive effects on fluid balance
Outcome:
Reduced doxorubicin absorption
Mechanism:
Chelation of doxorubicin in the gut
Most likely new formulation: Liposomal doxorubicin with improved targeting and reduced cardiotoxicity (2025, 70% confidence).
Based on historical data and ongoing clinical trials, there is a low likelihood of any major regulatory changes regarding doxorubicin's approved indications in the next 2 years (85% confidence).
Antineoplastic, Antibiotic
Anthracycline