Cytarabine adverse effects

In view of cytarabine s S phase specificity, the drug is highly schedule-dependent and must be given either by continuous infusion or every 8-12 hours for 5-7 days. Its activity is limited almost entirely to treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia, for which it is a major drug. Adverse effects are listed in Table 55-3. 

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) consists of a humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic enediyne antibiotic calicheamicin. It has been used to treat a subset of patients with acute myeloid leukemia in association with topotecan -I- cytarabine. Its most common adverse effects are myelosuppression, increased hepatic enzyme activity, infections, fever and chills, bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and dyspnea. 

Adverse effects of cytarabine are bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal disturbances. 

Hematologic The main adverse effect of cytarabine is myelosuppression, and grade 3/4 toxicity occurs in virtually all patients treated with cytarabine-based regimens as part of induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Infection is also extremely common and affects more than 60% of patients. Overall mortality rate is 20% and is generally age related [19 ]. 

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