Medicines
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Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Nipent
Pentostatin is a purine nucleoside analog that inhibits adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme crucial for lymphocyte proliferation and function. It is primarily used to treat hairy cell leukemia, a rare type of blood cancer. By blocking ADA, pentostatin leads to the accumulation of deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dATP), which is toxic to lymphocytes, particularly hairy cells. Pentostatin is classified as an antineoplastic antimetabolite.
Treatment of hairy cell leukemia, and sometimes other lymphoid malignancies.
Pentostatin can cause severe pulmonary toxicity, including pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonitis. Renal impairment, myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, and infections are also potential serious side effects. It should be used cautiously in patients with pre-existing lung or kidney disease.
Outcome:
Increased risk of severe toxicity
Mechanism:
Synergistic inhibition of purine metabolism
Outcome:
Increased risk of myelosuppression
Mechanism:
Additive myelosuppressive effects
Outcome:
Increased risk of bleeding
Mechanism:
Platelet inhibition
Most likely new formulation: Liposomal pentostatin for improved delivery and reduced toxicity (Year: 2028, 30% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and clinical trial activity, there is a low (5%) likelihood of a significant change in regulatory status within the next 5 years.
Antineoplastic, Antimetabolite, Purine Nucleoside Analog
Purine Nucleoside Analog