Common brand names

• Adriamycin
• Doxil

How it is administered

Doxorubicin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is delivered directly into a vein. It is available as a solution or as a powder that is reconstituted before use. The medication is administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a healthcare professional. Doxorubicin can also be given in a special liposomal form (as in Doxil), which is also administered by IV infusion.

The dosing schedule and amount depend on the type of cancer being treated, the specific treatment regimen, and the patient's overall health. For blood cancers like Mantle Cell Lymphoma, it is often used as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

How it works

Doxorubicin is a type of chemotherapy known as an anthracycline topoisomerase II inhibitor. It works by interfering with the DNA inside cancer cells. Specifically, doxorubicin binds to DNA and inhibits the action of enzymes called topoisomerases, which are necessary for DNA replication and repair. This interference prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to their death.

Doxorubicin also generates free radicals, which can damage cell membranes and other cellular structures. Because it targets rapidly dividing cells, it is effective against many types of cancer, including blood cancers like Mantle Cell Lymphoma and other lymphomas. However, it can also affect healthy rapidly dividing cells, which is why side effects can occur.

Who should take it

Doxorubicin is indicated for the treatment of several cancers, including certain blood cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (which includes Mantle Cell Lymphoma), acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and acute myeloblastic leukemia. It is also used for other cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and more.

For Mantle Cell Lymphoma, doxorubicin is often used as part of a multi-drug chemotherapy regimen. Your doctor will determine if doxorubicin is appropriate for you based on your type of cancer, stage, prior treatments, and overall health.

Who should not take it

Doxorubicin should not be used in patients with:

• Severe heart problems (such as severe myocardial insufficiency or recent heart attack)
• Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression (very low blood cell counts due to previous chemotherapy)
• Severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C or serum bilirubin greater than 5 mg/dL)
• Severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to doxorubicin or its components

If you have a history of these conditions, your doctor will consider alternative treatments. Always inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history before starting doxorubicin.

Commonly used with

Doxorubicin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat blood cancers. For Mantle Cell Lymphoma and other lymphomas, it is commonly combined with:

• Cyclophosphamide
• Vincristine
• Prednisone

This combination is known as the CHOP regimen (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone). It may also be used with other agents depending on the specific treatment protocol.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies and treatment protocols, doxorubicin is frequently tested with other chemotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (the CHOP regimen) for lymphomas, including Mantle Cell Lymphoma. It is also studied in combination with targeted therapies and other supportive medications to manage side effects and improve outcomes.