How it Works

Fludarabine is an antimetabolite that inhibits the synthesis of DNA, which is necessary for cancer cells to grow and divide. Fludarabine interferes with the activity of an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase, which is involved in the production of DNA precursors called deoxyribonucleotides. By inhibiting this enzyme, fludarabine prevents the cancer cells from being able to produce new DNA and divide, which can ultimately lead to their death.

How it’s Administered

• Is given intravenously
• It has an oral presentation (tablets), are usually taken once a day, and the patient should take them at the same time each day. It is important to swallow the tablets whole and not crush or chew them, and avoid eating grapefruit products.

Who Should Take Fludarabine 

• Adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• Adult patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not responded to or whose disease has progressed during treatment with at least one standard alkylating-agent-containing regimen.
• May also be used in trials for low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), hairy cell leukemia, pediatric acute myeloid leukemia and a type of lymphoma that affects the skin called mycosis fungoides.

Who Shouldn’t Take Fludarabine

• Pregnant women. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant before starting treatment, as it may cause harm to the fetus.
• Breastfeeding women should suspend breastfeeding if they start taking this medication. 
• People who are allergic to the medication or any of its components.
• People with immune system disorders, liver or kidney problems may not be able to have this treatment.

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Fludarabine Include:

• Decreased blood cell counts: Your levels of platelets, white and red blood cells may temporarily drop. Which may cause, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising.  
• Fever, increased risk of infection, weakness, cough 
• Peripheral neuropathy, feeling of numbness, pain or tingling on the extremities 
• Nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, poor appetite, diarrhea
• Liver damage or decreased kidney function
• Hair loss
• Infertility 

Commonly Used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With

• Cytarabine (in combination with an anthracycline, such as daunorubicin or idarubicin).
• Busulfan and then an allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
• Fludarabine is not currently FDA-approved as a standalone treatment for AML.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE AVAILABLE CLINICAL TRIALS FOR AML

Date last updated 12/22/22