Procarbazine
Encyclopedia
Procarbazine
Procarbazine (Matulane (US), Natulan (Canada), Indicarb (India) is an antineoplastic chemotherapy
drug for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma
and certain brain cancers (such as Glioblastoma multiforme
). It is a member of a group of medicines called alkylating agents
. It gained FDA Approved in July 1969. The drug is metabolized and activated in the liver. It also inhibits MAO
thus increasing the effects of sympathomimetics, TCA
s, and tyramine
.
is not fully understood. Metabolism yields azo-procarbazine and hydrogen peroxide
which results in the breaking of DNA strands.
regimen that includes Mechlorethamine, Vincristine
(tradename Oncovin), Prednisone
, and Procarbazine. Alternatively, when used to treat certain brain tumors (malignant gliomas), it is often dosed as PCV when combined with Lomustine
(often called CCNU) and Vincristine.
Procarbazine is also part of the more modern BEACOPP regimen used for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
, procarbazine may cause a disulfiram
-like reaction in some patients. It also inhibits the liver's CYP450 microsomal system, which leads to an increased effect of barbiturates, phenothiazenes, and narcotics normally metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes. Has monamine oxidase inhibition properties (MAOI), and should not be taken with most antidepressants and certain migraine medications.
Inhibits MAO in the gastrointestinal system thus can cause hypertensive crises if associated with the ingestion of tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses.
Procarbazine (Matulane (US), Natulan (Canada), Indicarb (India) is an antineoplastic chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with an antineoplastic drug or with a combination of such drugs into a standardized treatment regimen....
drug for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma, previously known as Hodgkin's disease, is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes...
and certain brain cancers (such as Glioblastoma multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans, involving glial cells and accounting for 52% of all functional tissue brain tumor cases and 20% of all intracranial tumors. Despite being the most prevalent form of primary brain tumor, GBMs...
). It is a member of a group of medicines called alkylating agents
Alkylating antineoplastic agent
An alkylating antineoplastic agent is an alkylating agent used in cancer treatment that attaches an alkyl group to DNA.The alkyl group is attached to the guanine base of DNA, at the number 7 nitrogen atom of the purine ring....
. It gained FDA Approved in July 1969. The drug is metabolized and activated in the liver. It also inhibits MAO
Monoamine oxidase
L-Monoamine oxidases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of monoamines. They are found bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria in most cell types in the body. The enzyme was originally discovered by Mary Bernheim in the liver and was named tyramine oxidase...
thus increasing the effects of sympathomimetics, TCA
Tricyclic antidepressant
Tricyclic antidepressants are heterocyclic chemical compounds used primarily as antidepressants. The TCAs were first discovered in the early 1950s and were subsequently introduced later in the decade; they are named after their chemical structure, which contains three rings of atoms...
s, and tyramine
Tyramine
Tyramine is a naturally occurring monoamine compound and trace amine derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine acts as a catecholamine releasing agent...
.
Pharmacology
Its mechanism of actionMechanism of action
In pharmacology, the term mechanism of action refers to the specific biochemical interaction through which a drug substance produces its pharmacological effect...
is not fully understood. Metabolism yields azo-procarbazine and hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide and an oxidizer. Hydrogen peroxide is a clear liquid, slightly more viscous than water. In dilute solution, it appears colorless. With its oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide is often used as a bleach or cleaning agent...
which results in the breaking of DNA strands.
Indications
When used to treat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it is often delivered as part of the MOPPMOPP (medicine)
MOPP is a combination chemotherapy regimen used to treat Hodgkin's disease. The acronym is derived from the component drugs of the regimen:*Mustargen...
regimen that includes Mechlorethamine, Vincristine
Vincristine
Vincristine , formally known as leurocristine, sometimes abbreviated "VCR", is a vinca alkaloid from the Catharanthus roseus , formerly Vinca rosea and hence its name. It is a mitotic inhibitor, and is used in cancer chemotherapy.-Mechanism:Tubulin is a structural protein that polymerizes to...
(tradename Oncovin), Prednisone
Prednisone
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and some types of cancer, but has significant adverse effects...
, and Procarbazine. Alternatively, when used to treat certain brain tumors (malignant gliomas), it is often dosed as PCV when combined with Lomustine
Lomustine
Lomustine is an alkylating nitrosourea compound used in chemotherapy. It is in the same family as streptozotocin. This is a highly lipid soluble drug, and thus crosses the blood brain barrier. This property makes it ideal for treating brain tumors, and is its primary use...
(often called CCNU) and Vincristine.
Procarbazine is also part of the more modern BEACOPP regimen used for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Side Effects/ Adverse Reactions
When combined with ethanolEthanol
Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. It is a psychoactive drug and one of the oldest recreational drugs. Best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, it is also used in thermometers, as a...
, procarbazine may cause a disulfiram
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is a drug discovered in the 1920s and used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol. Trade names for disulfiram in different countries are Antabuse and Antabus manufactured by Odyssey Pharmaceuticals...
-like reaction in some patients. It also inhibits the liver's CYP450 microsomal system, which leads to an increased effect of barbiturates, phenothiazenes, and narcotics normally metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes. Has monamine oxidase inhibition properties (MAOI), and should not be taken with most antidepressants and certain migraine medications.
Inhibits MAO in the gastrointestinal system thus can cause hypertensive crises if associated with the ingestion of tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses.