II. Indications
- FDA Approved
- Kaposi Sarcoma (associated with AIDS)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Off-Label
III. Mechanism
- See Antibiotic Chemotherapy
- This formulation is a liposome-encapsulated preparation of Doxorubicin
- See Non-Liposomal Doxorubicin
- Liposomal delivery of Doxorubicin has several benefits
- Increases Doxorubicin penetration into tumors
- Decreases Doxorubicin clearance resulting in longer duration of effects
- Decreases Doxorubicin-associated toxicity (esp. cardiotoxicity)
-
Doxorubicin is a derivative of Daunorubicin, an anthracycline Aminoglycoside antineoplastic
- Daunorubicin is isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius (Caesius variety)
- Doxorubicin is a hydroxylated form of Daunorubicin
-
Doxorubicin inserts between adjacent DNA base pairs
- Blocks DNA Transcription by RNA Polymerase
-
Doxorubicin also inhibits Topoisomerase 2
- Inhibits normal Nucleotide strand ligation during DNA Replication
-
Doxorubicin also induces free radical formation with several secondary effects
- Lipid peroxidation of cell membrane lipids (cytotoxic effects)
- Toxic effects (esp. cardiovascular adverse effects)
IV. Medications
- Liposomal Doxorubicin IV Solution: 20 mg and 50 mg vials
V. Dosing
- See other references for disease specific dosing protocols
VI. Adverse Effects
- Severe skin and soft tissue necrosis on extravasation
- Doxorubicin is a strong Vesicant (causes Blistering)
- Cardiotoxicity (esp. children)
- Risk of Congestive Heart Failure (esp. with multiple doses)
- Myelosuppression
- Hyperuricemia
- Infusion reactions (severe)
- Alopecia
- Mucositis
- Necrotizing colitis
- Palmar-Plantar erythrodysesthesia
- Carcinogenic (risk of secondary malignancy)
- Urine Discoloration (transient red coloration)
VII. Safety
- Avoid in Lactation
- Avoid in pregnancy (all trimesters)
- Use reliable Contraception
- Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count
- Liver Function Tests
- Renal Function Tests
- Serum Uric Acid
- Echocardiogram with ejection fraction
VIII. Resources
- Liposomal Doxorubicin Injection Solution (DailyMed)
- Doxorubicin (StatPearls)
IX. References
- Hamilton (2020) Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia