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Daunorubicin Hydrochloride

Daunorubicin hydrochloride is an important chemotherapy drug being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These trials are exploring how daunorubicin hydrochloride can be combined with other drugs to improve outcomes for AML patients. The studies are looking at factors like optimal dosing, side effects, and effectiveness when used in different drug combinations and treatment regimens.

Table of Contents

What is Daunorubicin Hydrochloride?

Daunorubicin Hydrochloride is a powerful chemotherapy drug used primarily in the treatment of various types of leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It belongs to a class of drugs called anthracyclines, which are known for their ability to interfere with cancer cell growth[1].

This medication is also known by several other names, including:

  • Daunorubicin
  • Cerubidin
  • Cerubidine
  • Daunomycin hydrochloride
  • Rubidomycin Hydrochloride

These alternative names may be used interchangeably in medical literature and by healthcare providers[2].

How Does Daunorubicin Hydrochloride Work?

Daunorubicin Hydrochloride works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells. Specifically, it:

  • Inserts itself into the DNA structure, disrupting the cell’s ability to replicate
  • Inhibits an enzyme called topoisomerase II, which is crucial for DNA replication
  • Generates harmful free radicals that damage cellular components

These actions combined lead to the death of rapidly dividing cancer cells[3].

What Conditions Does Daunorubicin Hydrochloride Treat?

Daunorubicin Hydrochloride is primarily used to treat various types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This includes:

  • Newly diagnosed AML in adults
  • AML in older patients (typically over 60 years old)
  • AML with specific genetic mutations, such as FLT3 mutations
  • Secondary AML (developing after other blood disorders or previous cancer treatments)

It’s also used in some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other blood cancers[4].

How is Daunorubicin Hydrochloride Administered?

Daunorubicin Hydrochloride is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic setting. The specific dosage and schedule can vary, but common regimens include:

  • Administration over 10-30 minutes
  • Given on days 1-3 of a treatment cycle
  • Often part of an induction therapy regimen, followed by consolidation therapy

The exact dosage is calculated based on the patient’s body surface area and overall health status[5].

Combination Therapy with Daunorubicin Hydrochloride

Daunorubicin Hydrochloride is frequently used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to enhance its effectiveness. Common combination therapies include:

  • Cytarabine: This is the most common combination, often referred to as “7+3” therapy (7 days of cytarabine and 3 days of daunorubicin)[4].
  • Etoposide: Sometimes added to the daunorubicin and cytarabine combination[6].
  • Midostaurin: Used in combination for AML patients with FLT3 mutations[1].
  • Bortezomib: Being studied in combination for older AML patients[2].

These combinations aim to attack cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

Current Clinical Trials

Several ongoing clinical trials are exploring new ways to use Daunorubicin Hydrochloride more effectively:

  • Combining it with newer targeted therapies like selinexor[7].
  • Testing different dosing schedules and intensities[8].
  • Exploring its use in combination with immunotherapies[9].
  • Investigating its effectiveness when combined with drugs that may overcome chemotherapy resistance, such as valspodar[9].

These trials aim to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects for patients with AML and other blood cancers.

Potential Side Effects

Like all chemotherapy drugs, Daunorubicin Hydrochloride can cause side effects. Some common ones include:

  • Low blood cell counts (which can lead to increased risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth sores
  • Fatigue

More serious, but less common side effects can include heart problems and an increased risk of secondary cancers. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely for these effects and can provide treatments to manage them[2].

Aspect Details
Drug Name Daunorubicin Hydrochloride
Type of Drug Chemotherapy agent
Main Condition Treated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Common Combinations Cytarabine, Etoposide, Mitoxantrone
Administration Method Intravenous (IV)
Typical Treatment Schedule Often given on days 1-3 of induction therapy
Key Study Objectives Optimal dosing, efficacy in combinations, side effect profile
Patient Populations Newly diagnosed AML, various age groups
Outcome Measures Complete remission rates, overall survival, disease-free survival

FAQ

  • What is daunorubicin hydrochloride? Daunorubicin hydrochloride is a chemotherapy drug used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It works by interfering with cancer cell DNA to stop the cells from growing and dividing.
  • How is daunorubicin hydrochloride given to patients? Daunorubicin hydrochloride is typically given intravenously (through an IV) over a short period of time, often 10-30 minutes. It is usually administered on specific days as part of a chemotherapy regimen.
  • What are some common side effects of daunorubicin hydrochloride? Common side effects can include lowered blood cell counts leading to increased risk of infection and bleeding, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores. It can also potentially cause heart problems in some patients.
  • Why is daunorubicin hydrochloride being studied in clinical trials? Researchers are studying daunorubicin hydrochloride in clinical trials to find the most effective ways to use it in combination with other drugs, determine optimal dosing, and see if new drug combinations can improve outcomes for AML patients.
  • Who is eligible to participate in these clinical trials? Eligibility varies by trial, but many are focused on newly diagnosed AML patients who have not received prior treatment. Some trials focus on specific age groups or AML subtypes. Patients should discuss clinical trial options with their doctor.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Daunorubicin Hydrochloride

  • Study on Early Treatment Intensification for Acute Myeloid Leukemia with FLT3 Mutation Using Cytarabine, Midostaurin, and Daunorubicin Hydrochloride for Patients with Low Chemosensitivity

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Italy

  • Study Comparing Venetoclax and Azacitidine with Standard Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with NPM1 Mutations Eligible for Intensive Treatment

    Recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

  • Study comparing venetoclax with intensive chemotherapy (daunorubicin, cytarabine, gemtuzumab ozogamicin) in patients with favorable risk acute myeloid leukemia

    Recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark

  • Testing inotuzumab ozogamicin and blinatumomab with drug combination for children with relapsed precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Czechia Denmark Finland France Germany +5

  • Study of Bleximenib with Drug Combination for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with KMT2A or NPM1 Alterations

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    France Germany Italy Spain

  • Study of Magrolimab and Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Eligible for Stem Cell Transplantation

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

  • Study Comparing CPX-351 and Conventional Drug Combination for Patients with High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Oligoblastic Acute Myeloid Leukemia Before Stem Cell Transplant

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Germany

  • Study on Imatinib and Chemotherapy Combination for Children with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Czechia Denmark Finland France +6

  • Study on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment in Children and Adolescents Using Bortezomib, Blinatumomab, and Methotrexate Combination

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Poland

Glossary

  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that interfere with normal blood cell production.
  • Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to grow or multiply.
  • Intravenous (IV): Administration of a drug or fluid directly into a vein.
  • Remission: A decrease or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In AML, complete remission usually means the bone marrow contains fewer than 5% blast cells and blood cell counts have returned to normal.
  • Consolidation Therapy: Additional treatment given after the cancer appears to be in remission, aimed at killing any remaining cancer cells and preventing relapse.
  • Cytarabine: A chemotherapy drug often used in combination with daunorubicin hydrochloride to treat AML.
  • Dose-Limiting Toxicity: Side effects of a drug that are severe enough to prevent an increase in dosage or require a reduction in dosage.
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD): The highest dose of a drug that can be given without causing unacceptable side effects.
  • Overall Survival: The length of time from the start of treatment that patients are still alive.
  • Disease-Free Survival: The length of time after treatment during which no disease is found.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00093600
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00742625
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01349972
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00840684
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03724084
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00005793
  7. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02835222
  8. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00101153
  9. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00003190