Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
cytarabine
Pronunciation: sy-TARE-ah-been
An antimetabolite chemotherapy drug used extensively in pediatric acute leukemia treatment protocols.
Full Definition
Cytarabine (ara-C) is a pyrimidine nucleoside analog that functions as an antimetabolite chemotherapy agent. It is a cornerstone drug in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Cytarabine works by inhibiting DNA synthesis and is typically administered intravenously or intrathecally. Common side effects include myelosuppression, gastrointestinal toxicity, and at high doses, cerebellar toxicity.
Usage
Usage note: Monitor for cerebellar toxicity with high-dose regimens.
In Context
- "High-dose cytarabine was administered during the consolidation phase of AML treatment." — Treatment protocol
- "The patient developed cerebellar toxicity following cytarabine infusion." — Adverse event report
Also known as
ara-C
cytosine arabinoside
Don't confuse with
cytoxan
carboplatin