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procarbazine (Matulane)
Chemotherapy Agents

How it is administered

Procarbazine is administered orally in the form of capsules. Each capsule contains 50 mg of procarbazine hydrochloride. The medication is usually taken once or twice daily, depending on the specific treatment regimen and patient needs. Dosage is based on body weight or body surface area and may be adjusted for children or adults.

How it works

Procarbazine is a type of chemotherapy medication known as an antineoplastic agent. Its exact way of killing cancer cells is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by interfering with the growth of cancer cells. Procarbazine may inhibit the synthesis of proteins, RNA, and DNA, which are essential for cell growth and division. It can also directly damage the DNA of cancer cells, making it harder for them to multiply and survive.

Additionally, procarbazine is metabolized in the liver and kidneys, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it effective for certain cancers that may affect the brain or central nervous system. Its effects on DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis are thought to contribute to its ability to stop the spread of cancer cells.

Common side effects

  • Nausea and vomiting (most common)
  • Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
  • Anemia
  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  • Pancytopenia
  • Eosinophilia
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Bleeding tendencies (such as petechiae, purpura, nosebleeds)
  • Hepatic dysfunction, jaundice
  • Stomatitis (mouth sores)
  • Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
  • Neurologic effects: headache, dizziness, neuropathy, confusion
  • Dermatologic effects: rash, hair loss, itching
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Secondary cancers (such as lung cancer, leukemia) have been reported, especially when used with other chemotherapy or radiation

Who Should take it

Procarbazine is indicated for use in combination with other anticancer drugs for the treatment of Stage III and IV Hodgkin's disease (Hodgkin lymphoma). It is commonly used as part of the MOPP regimen, which includes nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone.

Patients diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, especially those who have not responded to other treatments or who need combination chemotherapy, may be prescribed procarbazine as part of their treatment plan. The decision to use procarbazine should be made by a healthcare provider experienced in treating blood cancers.

Who should not take it

Procarbazine should not be taken by patients who have a known hypersensitivity to the drug or who have inadequate bone marrow reserve, as shown by bone marrow aspiration. This includes patients with significant leukopenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), or anemia.

Additionally, caution should be used in patients with impaired kidney or liver function, and it should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while taking procarbazine. Mothers should not nurse while receiving this medication.

Commonly used with

Procarbazine is most commonly used in combination with other anticancer drugs as part of the MOPP regimen for Hodgkin lymphoma. The other medications in this regimen are nitrogen mustard (mechlorethamine), vincristine, and prednisone.

It may also be combined with other chemotherapy agents as determined by your oncologist, depending on your specific treatment plan.

Commonly tested with

Procarbazine has been extensively tested as part of combination chemotherapy regimens, particularly the MOPP regimen (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) for Hodgkin lymphoma. It may also be tested with other chemotherapeutic agents in clinical trials for blood cancers.

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