Tioguanine is a purine analogue, which means it mimics the structure of natural purines found in DNA and RNA. Once inside the body, tioguanine is converted into active metabolites that interfere with the synthesis and function of nucleic acids. This interference disrupts the growth and division of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.

Specifically, tioguanine is incorporated into the DNA and RNA of bone marrow cells, replacing the normal base guanine. This leads to faulty genetic material and blocks the production of new purine nucleotides, which are essential for cell growth. The result is a sequential blockade of the synthesis and utilization of purine nucleotides, ultimately causing cell death, especially in rapidly dividing cancer cells. The drug's effects are long-lasting due to its active metabolites remaining in cells even after the parent drug has left the bloodstream.

tioguanine

Common brand names

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