How it is administered

Chlorambucil is taken by mouth in tablet form. Each tablet contains 2 mg of chlorambucil. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed. The medication is usually taken once daily, and the dose is carefully adjusted by your doctor based on your body weight and blood counts.

How it works

Chlorambucil is a type of chemotherapy known as an alkylating agent. It works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Specifically, chlorambucil attaches to the DNA in the cancer cells, causing damage that triggers the cells to die through a process called apoptosis. This helps to reduce the number of abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) present in blood cancers such as Marginal Zone Lymphoma.

Chlorambucil is absorbed quickly from the digestive tract and is processed mainly by the liver. It is then broken down into substances that also have anti-cancer activity. The medication is designed to be effective in controlling the progression of blood cancers, although it is not considered a cure. The goal is to provide relief from symptoms and slow down the disease.

Who Should take it

Chlorambucil is used to treat certain types of blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and malignant lymphomas, which can include Marginal Zone Lymphoma. It is generally prescribed when the disease is active and causing symptoms, or when other treatments are not suitable or have not worked.

Your doctor will determine if chlorambucil is appropriate for you based on your diagnosis, overall health, and previous treatments. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and to have regular blood tests to monitor your response to the medication.

Who should not take it

Chlorambucil should not be used if you have previously shown resistance to this medication. It should also not be taken by anyone who has had an allergic reaction to chlorambucil or similar alkylating agents. Signs of an allergic reaction can include rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

It should not be used in patients with conditions other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia or malignant lymphomas, due to the risk of serious side effects, including the development of other cancers. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take chlorambucil, as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. If you have significant liver problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely.

Commonly used with

Chlorambucil can be used alone or in combination with other medications for blood cancers. Sometimes, it is given with corticosteroids or other chemotherapy agents to enhance its effectiveness. Your doctor will decide the best combination based on your specific type of lymphoma and your health status.

Commonly tested with

Chlorambucil has been studied in combination with other chemotherapy drugs and sometimes with radiation therapy, especially in the treatment of lymphomas and leukemias. It is often tested alongside other standard treatments to find the most effective regimen for controlling blood cancers.