
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat various types of cancer.
Sarcoma
A rare type of cancer that grow in connective tissue like bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels of the arms and legs.
How does cyclophosphamide work to treat cancer?
How Cyclophosphamide Works Cyclophosphamideattaches to and damages the DNA in cancer cells when they are in their resting phase (not dividing). After their DNA is damaged, the cells can’t keep dividing, and their growth slows or stops. Who Gets Cyclophosphamide
Is cyclophosphamide FDA approved?
This page contains brief information about cyclophosphamide and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials. FDA Approved. Yes. FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
How does cyclophosphamide treat nephrotic syndrome?
When cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer, it works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. When cyclophosphamide is used to treat nephrotic syndrome, it works by suppressing your body's immune system.
What is the history of cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide and the related nitrogen mustard –derived alkylating agent ifosfamide were developed by Norbert Brock and ASTA (now Baxter Oncology). Brock and his team synthesised and screened more than 1,000 candidate oxazaphosphorine compounds. They converted the base nitrogen mustard into a nontoxic "transport form".

What cancer Can cyclophosphamide cause?
Patients who have taken cyclophosphamide have an increased risk for at least two primary types of malignancy: leukemia/lymphoma and bladder cancer. There may also be increased risks for other kinds of cancer, but the risks are less high.
What is cyclophosphamide FDA approved for?
1.2 Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome in Pediatric Patients: Cyclophosphamide is indicated for the treatment of biopsy proven minimal change nephrotic syndrome in pediatrics patients who failed to adequately respond to or are unable to tolerate adrenocorticosteroid therapy.
What is the target of cyclophosphamide?
5.14. Cyclophosphamide is converted to active metabolites in the liver, one of the major active metabolites being 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, and targets rapidly proliferating malignant cells.
What is the indication of cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide is indicated for the treatment of: malignant lymphomas (Stages III and IV of the Ann Arbor staging system), Hodgkin’s disease, lymphocytic lymphoma (nodular or diffuse), mixed-cell type lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma. multiple myeloma.
How long can you take cyclophosphamide?
Most patients are NOT on cyclophosphamide indefinitely. Most physicians will discuss with their patients a time line of how long they will require cyclophosphamide (E.g. 3, 6, or 12 months).
What is the most common side effect of cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide often causes nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine even if you begin to feel ill. Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Ask your doctor for ways to lessen these effects.
What organ is affected by cyclophosphamide?
Blood in the urine warning: When cyclophosphamide is broken down by your body, it creates substances that irritate your kidneys and bladder. These substances can cause your kidneys or bladder to bleed.
How does cyclophosphamide work in lymphoma?
Cyclophosphamide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. When cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer, it works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Is cyclophosphamide an immunotherapy?
Low-dose cyclophosphamide has been tested in animal models as part of combination immunotherapy with immune therapeutic agents, including different vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How does cyclophosphamide work in multiple myeloma?
How does cyclophosphamide work? Cyclophosphamide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. The body metabolizes the small molecule within the medication to form a chemical that affects DNA and RNA within cells, slowing or preventing cell division.
Is cyclophosphamide a chemo drug?
Cyclophosphamide (pronounced sigh-clo-fos-fah-mide) is a type of chemotherapy. It is a treatment for a number of different types of cancer. You can have cyclophosphamide on its own, or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
What is the usual recommendation regarding treatment of patients receiving cyclophosphamide?
2 mercaptoethane sulphone sodium (MESNA) prophylaxis is recommended espcially in patients receiving high dose cyclophosphamide. This drug combines with acrolein and detoxifies it, hence reducing the chances of baldder toxicity. MESNA has been found to be superior to bladder irrigation alone [3, 5].
What is cyclophosphamide used for?
Cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide (pronounced sigh-clo-fos-fah-mide) is a type of chemotherapy. It is a treatment for a number of different types of cancer. You can have cyclophosphamide on its own, or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
What do they check before and during a chemo treatment?
You have blood tests before and during your treatment. They check your levels of blood cells and other substances in the blood. They also check how well your liver and kidneys are working.
Can cancer drugs interact with other drugs?
Cancer drugs can interact with some other medicines and herbal products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Cyclophosphamide?
Your doctor may tell you not to drink alcohol while having cyclophosphamide as a tablet. Alcohol might change the way this drug works and may increase feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting).
What is the trade name for Cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide. (sye-kloe-FAHS-fah-mide) Trade Names: Cytoxan®, Neosar®. Cyclophosphamide is the generic name for the trade name drug Cytoxan or Neosar. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Cytoxan or Neosar when referring to the generic drug name cyclophosphamide. Drug Type: Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer ...
How is cyclophosphamide given?
It is usually given through a vein by injection or infusion (intravenous, IV) or by mouth in tablet form, depending upon diagnosis. Cyclophosphamide is also approved to be given by a shot into a muscle (IM), into the abdominal lining (intraperitoneal, IP), or into the lining of the lung (intrapleural).
Why is chemotherapy given in cycles?
The scheduling of chemotherapy is set based on the type of cells, rate at which they divide, and the time at which a given drug is likely to be effective. This is why chemotherapy is typically given in cycles. Unfortunately, chemotherapy does not know the difference between the cancerous cells and the normal cells.
How does chemotherapy work?
Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division.
How long does it take for cyclophosphamide to cause nausea?
Nausea and vomiting: more common with larger doses, usually beginning 6-10 hours after therapy. Poor appetite. Discoloration of the skin or nails. The following are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving cyclophosphamide:
What does nadir mean in chemo?
Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts. Hair loss: Temporary - usually begins 3-6 weeks after the start of therapy. Hair will grow back after treatment is completed although the color and/or texture may be different.
Does cyclophosphamide cause low blood count?
There are many options to minimize or prevent the side effects of cyclophosphamide. The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking cyclophosphamide: Low blood counts: Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.
Why is cyclophosphamide used?
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases. It is used to quickly control the disease. Due to its toxicity, it is replaced as soon as possible by less toxic drugs. Regular and frequent laboratory evaluations are required to monitor kidney function, avoid drug-induced bladder complications and screen for bone marrow toxicity .
What is the main use of cyclophosphamide IV?
The main use of cyclophosphamide is with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of lymphomas, some forms of brain cancer, neuroblastoma, leukemia and some solid tumors. Oncovet C (Chemovet S.A.), is the first-based drug approved in Latin America for veterinary use for canine and feline cancer (carcinomas of anal sacs, ...
What is the effect of cyclophosphamide on DNA?
The main effect of cyclophosphamide is due to its metabolite phosphoramide mustard. This metabolite is only formed in cells that have low levels of ALDH. Phosphoramide mustard forms DNA crosslinks both between and within DNA strands at guanine N-7 positions (known as interstrand and intrastrand crosslinkages, respectively). This is irreversible and leads to cell apoptosis.
What is cyclophosphamide embryopathy?
First trimester exposure to cyclophosphamide for the treatment of cancer or lupus displays a pattern of anomalies labeled "cyclophosphamide embryopathy", including growth restriction, ear and facial abnormalities, absence of digits and hypoplastic limbs.
What enzymes convert cyclophosphamide to a metabolite?
Oral cyclophosphamide is rapidly absorbed and then converted by mixed-function oxidase enzymes ( cytochrome P450 system) in the liver to active metabolites. The main active metabolite is 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, which exists in equilibrium with its tautomer, aldophosphamide.
How long does it take for a cyclophosphamide to cause AML?
Cyclophosphamide-induced AML, when it happens, typically presents some years after treatment, with incidence peaking around 3–9 years. After nine years, the risk falls to background. When AML occurs, it is often preceded by a myelodysplastic syndrome phase, before developing into overt acute leukemia.
How much cyclophosphamide is safe for breast cancer?
For instance, CMF-therapy for breast cancer (where the cumulative dose is typically less than 20 grams of cyclophosphamide) carries an AML risk of less than 1/2000, with some studies finding no increased risk compared to background. Other treatment regimens involving higher doses may carry risks of 1–2% or higher.
How is cyclophosphamide given?
How cyclophosphamide is given. You will be given cyclophosphamide in the chemotherapy day unit or during a stay in hospital. A chemotherapy nurse will give it to you. Cyclophosphamide can be given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. During treatment you usually see a cancer doctor, a chemotherapy nurse or a specialist nurse ...
Where to put cyclophosphamide?
a fine tube that is put into a vein in your arm and goes up into a vein in your chest ( PICC line) as tablets swallowed whole with a glass of water. Your nurse can give you cyclophosphamide as a slow injection or drip (infusion) into your cannula or line.
What to do if you have cancer?
Medical and dental treatment. If you need medical treatment for any reason other than cancer, always tell the doctors and nurses you are having cancer treatment . Give them the contact details for your cancer doctor so they can ask for advice. If you think you need dental treatment, talk to your cancer doctor or nurse.
Who takes blood samples for cancer treatment?
During treatment you usually see a cancer doctor, a chemotherapy nurse or a specialist nurse and a specialist pharmacist. This is who we mean when we mention doctor, nurse or pharmacist in this information. Before or on the day of treatment, a nurse or person trained to take blood (phlebotomist) will take a blood sample from you.
Can cancer drugs make you pregnant?
Some cancer drugs can affect whether you can get pregnant or make someone pregnant. If you are worried about this, it is important to talk with your doctor before you start treatment.
Can a pharmacist give you chemo?
If your blood results are okay, the pharmacist will prepare your chemotherapy. Your nurse will tell you when your treatment is likely to be ready. Your nurse will give you anti-sickness ( anti-emetic) drugs before the chemotherapy. The chemotherapy drugs can be given through:
What is cyclophosphamide used for?
Cyclophosphamide is also sometimes used to treat a certain type of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer; SCLC). It is also used to treat rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of cancer of the muscles) and Ewing's sarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in children. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
How often should I take cyclophosphamide?
Take cyclophosphamide at around the same time every day.
Can cyclophosphamide harm a fetus?
Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Cyclophosphamide may harm the fetus. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cyclophosphamide.
Can cyclophosphamide interact with other medications?
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with cyclophosphamide, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking , even those that do not appear on this list.
Can you stop taking cyclophosphamide?
Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Do not stop taking cyclophosphamide without talking to your doctor.
Is cyclophosphamide used for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?
Expand Section. Cyclophosphamide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat Hodgkin 's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (types of cancer that begin in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection); cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, a group of cancers of the immune system ...
What is cyclophosphamide used for?
It’s used to treat an overactive immune system by targeting cells that cause harm to healthy tissues. It’s an effective treatment for many people who have developed serious complications as a result of their condition.
Can cyclophosphamide affect fertility?
This is your ability to become pregnant or father a child. If this is an issue for you, speak to your doctor before you start treatment. Cyclophospha mide shouldn’t be used by pregnant women or women planning pregnancy in the immediate future.
Can you take cyclophosphamide if it doesn't work?
It’s important to attend your planned infusions or take the cyclophosphamide tablets as directed, even if it doesn’t seem to be working at first . You should also keep taking it as prescribed when your symptoms improve and you start to feel better, to keep your condition under control.
Is cyclophosphamide safe for bladder cancer?
There’s also a slightly increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly bladder cancer, but cyclophosphamide will not be recommended for you unless the benefits of treatment are thought to be much greater than the risks. You should discuss this with your doctor or nurse specialist.
Is Cyclophosphamide a side effect?
Side-effects and risks. As with all drugs, cyclophosphamide has potential side effects. If you have severe side effects or are concerned about any of your symptoms, contact one of the healthcare professionals in charge of your care. A common side effect of cyclophospha mide is feeling or being sick. Your doctor may prescribe medication ...
Can cyclophosphamide cause a positive urine test?
This is because cyclophosphamide can increase the risk of these conditions starting up again. If the tests are positive, you may need a course of treatment to tackle these first. Your doctor will also arrange a series of urine and blood tests before and during treatment to assess whether this drug is right for you.
Can cyclophosphamide be used on repeat?
However, some drugs can interact with cyclophosphamide, so speak to your doctor before starting any new medications. Remember to mention you’re on cyclophosphamide if you’re treated by anyone other than your usual rheumatology team, as it won’t appear on your repeat prescription list from your GP .
What is cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide is a prescription drug. It comes as an injectable solution. It also comes as a capsule you take by mouth.
Cyclophosphamide side effects
Cyclophosphamide injectable solution often causes nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It can also cause dizziness, blurred vision, and trouble seeing, which could affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Cyclophosphamide may interact with other medications
Cyclophosphamide injectable solution can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. Your healthcare provider will look out for interactions with your current medications. Always be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, or vitamins you’re taking.
How to take cyclophosphamide
Your doctor will determine a dosage that’s right for you based on your individual needs. Your general health may affect your dosage. Tell your doctor about all health conditions you have before your doctor or nurse administers the drug to you.
Take as directed
Cyclophosphamide injectable solution can be used for short-term or long-term treatment. Some chemotherapy regimens are given as a set number of cycles over a set period of time. Other regimens are given for as long as they’re effective against your cancer.
Important considerations for taking cyclophosphamide
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes cyclophosphamide for you.
Are there any alternatives?
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
What is cytoxan used for?
Cyclophosphamide(Cytoxan), or CTX, is a type of chemotherapymedicinecalled an alkylating agent. It is used to treat several types of cancer, including breast cancer.
How to take CMF?
CMF (Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil) Cyclophosphamide can be taken by mouth or by vein. It is usually given in several cycles, with a day (or days) of treatment followed by a period of “off” days.
What is the best medicine for metastatic breast cancer?
Cyclophosphamideis usually given along with other chemotherapymedicines. Combinations in breast cancer include: AC (Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide) AC-T (AC followed by Taxol) TC (Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide) CAF (Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and Fluorouracil)
How often should I get chemo for breast cancer?
Most breast cancer chemotherapy regimens are given every 2 or 3 weeks. In some cases your doctor may recommend a dose-dense schedule, which means medicines are given with less time between treatments than in a standard chemotherapy treatment plan. For example, one common treatment is dose-dense doxorubicin(Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) ...
Can cyclophosphamide be used for breast cancer?
Cyclophosphamidemay be used in combination chemotherapytreatments for most types of invasive breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer. It can also be used with targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab(Herceptin), in treating HER2-positive breast cancers. Other times cyclophosphamide can be used are.

Overview
Medical uses
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases. It is used to quickly control the disease. Due to its toxicity, it is replaced as soon as possible by less toxic drugs. Regular and frequent laboratory evaluations are required to monitor kidney function, avoid drug-induced bladder complications and screen for bone marrow toxicity.
Contraindications
Like other alkylating agents, cyclophosphamide is teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnant women (pregnancy category D) except for life-threatening circumstances in the mother. Additional relative contraindications to the use of cyclophosphamide include lactation, active infection, neutropenia or bladder toxicity.
Cyclophosphamide is a pregnancy category D drug and causes birth defects. First trimester expo…
Side effects
Adverse drug reactions from cyclophosphamide are related to the cumulative medication dose and include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, bone marrow suppression, stomach ache, hemorrhagic cystitis, diarrhea, darkening of the skin/nails, alopecia (hair loss) or thinning of hair, changes in color and texture of the hair, lethargy, and profound gonadotoxicity. Other side effects may include easy bruising/bleeding, joint pain, mouth sores, slow-healing existing wounds, unus…
Pharmacology
Oral cyclophosphamide is rapidly absorbed and then converted by mixed-function oxidase enzymes (cytochrome P450 system) in the liver to active metabolites. The main active metabolite is 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, which exists in equilibrium with its tautomer, aldophosphamide. Most of the aldophosphamide is then oxidised by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to make carboxycyclophosphamide. A small proportion of aldophosphamide freely diffuses into cel…
Mechanism of action
The main effect of cyclophosphamide is due to its metabolite phosphoramide mustard. This metabolite is only formed in cells that have low levels of ALDH. Phosphoramide mustard forms DNA crosslinks both between and within DNA strands at guanine N-7 positions (known as interstrand and intrastrand crosslinkages, respectively). This is irreversible and leads to cell apoptosis.
History
As reported by O. M. Colvin in his study of the development of cyclophosphamide and its clinical applications,
Phosphoramide mustard, one of the principal toxic metabolites of cyclophosphamide, was synthesized and reported by Friedman and Seligman in 1954 …It was postulated that the presence of the phosphate bond to the nitrogen atom could inactivate the nitrogen mustard moiety, but th…
Society and culture
The abbreviation CP is common, although abbreviating drug names is not best practice in medicine.