How it Works

Doxorubicin hydrochloride is an antitumoral antibiotic (anthracyclines) that works by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself during cell division. If the cells are unable to divide, they die. The faster the cells divide, the more likely it is that chemotherapy will kill them, causing the tumor to shrink.

How it’s Administered

Adriamycin is administered via an intravenous (IV) injection through a central line or a peripheral venous line, and the drug is given over several minutes. Doxorubicin can also be given by continuous infusion through a central catheter line.

Who Should Take Adriamycin

Adriamycin is currently approved for:

Many types of cancer (breast, bladder, kidneys, ovaries, thyroid, stomach, lungs, bones, nerve tissues, joints, and soft tissue)
Lymphoma Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin and certain types of leukemia, like acute myeloid leukemia.
Multiple myeloma

Who Shouldn’t Take Adriamycin

Pregnant women
Patients with congestive heart failure
Patients with bone marrow suppression

The most common side effects of taking Adriamycin include

Pain in the site where the medication was given
Nausea and vomiting
Low blood counts (anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia)
Hair loss

Commonly Used in Multiple Myeloma With

Bortezomib
Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone
Bortezomib, dexamethasone, and vincristine

Currently Being Tested in Multiple Myeloma With

Steroids: Dexamethasone
Chemotherapy drugs: Vincristine, Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide, Melphalan
Immunomodulators agents: Lenalidomide, Thalidomide
Proteasome inhibitors: Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Ixazomib
Selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE): Selinexor
Monoclonal antibodies: Daratumumab

Commonly Used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With

Cytarabine
Venetoclax

Currently Being Tested in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With

Cytarabine
Venetoclax

Differences between Doxil and Rubex

Doxil modulates the toxicity of traditional doxorubicin, in particular, the cardiac effects associated with anthracycline antitumor drugs

Learn more about your treatments in Cure Hub

doxorubicin

Common brand names

Approved use in

Administration method