How it Works

Decitabine belongs to a class of medications called demethylating agents, which work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the regulation of DNA methylation. This drug is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue. It inhibits DNA methyltransferase, causing hypomethylation of DNA & cellular differentiation or apoptosis

DNA methylation is a process by which chemical modifications are made to the DNA molecule. These modifications can affect how genes are expressed, or turned on or off. In cancer cells, DNA methylation can lead to the suppression of genes involved in regulating cell growth and division, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Decitabine works by stopping the enzymes that add methyl groups to DNA from doing their jobs. This makes DNA lose its methyl groups and turns on genes that control cell growth and division. As a result, cancer cells are less able to divide and grow, and they may die.

How it’s Administered

• Is administered as an intravenous infusion (through a vein). 

Who Should Take Decitabine

• Is indicated for patients with diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) including previously treated and untreated, de novo and secondary MDS of all French-American-British subtypes

Who Shouldn’t Take Decitabine

• 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. 
• Men and women should take contraception during decitabine treatment and 3 months after concluding with it. 
• People who are allergic to the medication or any of its components.

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Decitabine 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, cough, headache, insomnia, increased blood glucose level
• Thinning of the hair or hair loss
• Gastrointestinal issues like: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting

Commonly Used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With

• Cytarabine
• Idarubicin
• Gemtuzumab ozogamicin

TAKE A LOOK AT THE AVAILABLE CLINICAL TRIALS FOR AML

Date last updated 12/22/22