How it is administered

Cytarabine is administered by injection and is not effective if taken orally. It can be given in several ways:

• Intravenous (IV) infusion or injection
• Subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
• Intrathecal injection (directly into the spinal fluid, using preservative-free preparations only)

The specific method and schedule depend on the treatment plan for your type of blood cancer.

How it works

Cytarabine is a chemotherapy medication that works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, especially those that multiply quickly. It is most active during the S-phase of the cell cycle, when DNA is being synthesized.

Cytarabine is converted inside the body into an active form that inhibits DNA polymerase, an enzyme necessary for making new DNA. This action prevents cancer cells from replicating their DNA and dividing, leading to cell death. Cytarabine may also be incorporated into DNA and RNA, causing further disruption of cancer cell function. Because it targets rapidly dividing cells, cytarabine is particularly effective against certain types of blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

Who Should take it

Cytarabine is indicated for patients with certain blood cancers, including:

• Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (such as AML) in adults and children, usually in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for remission induction.
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
• The blast phase of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
• It is also used intrathecally (injected into the spinal fluid) for the prevention and treatment of meningeal leukemia (leukemia involving the central nervous system).

Your healthcare provider will determine if cytarabine is appropriate for you based on your diagnosis and overall health.

Who should not take it

Cytarabine should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive (allergic) to the drug.

Caution is needed in patients with pre-existing bone marrow suppression, liver or kidney impairment, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cytarabine can cause harm to an unborn baby, so women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment. It is also not known if cytarabine is excreted in breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during therapy.

If you have a history of severe reactions to cytarabine or any of its components, you should not receive this medication.

Commonly used with

Cytarabine is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to increase its effectiveness. Common combinations include:

• Daunorubicin or other anthracyclines (for AML induction therapy)
• Cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (for ALL)
• Methotrexate and hydrocortisone (especially for central nervous system involvement)

Your treatment plan may include other supportive medications to manage side effects or prevent infections.

Commonly tested with

Cytarabine has been studied in combination with several other chemotherapy agents, including:

• Daunorubicin (as in the '7+3' regimen for AML)
• Etoposide
• Asparaginase
• Methotrexate (especially for CNS prophylaxis)
• Cyclophosphamide

These combinations are tested to improve outcomes in various types of blood cancers, particularly leukemias.