Hydroxyurea
Malignancies for which hydroxyurea is used include: Melanoma, Chronic myelogenous leukemiaA cancer affecting the cells that develop into white or red blood cells. Both of these cell types originate from stem cells in bone marrow. Red blood cells function to carry oxygen to our tissues and the white cells (leukocytes) are part of our immune system. The cancerous cells often accumulate in the blood., essential thrombocytosis, Ovarian cancer (recurrent, metastaticThe term for a cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin. Metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths., or inoperable) and Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Hydroxyurea is usually administered as an oral capsule.1
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) is thought to inhibit DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. synthesis and prevent cell division, but does not interfere with the production of RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus. or proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins.. Though the exact mechanism of action remains unknown, research suggests that DNA synthesis is blocked by interfering with the activity of an enzymeA protein that speeds up the process of chemical reactions in the body without becoming altered in the process. Almost every biological process is driven by the activity of enzymes. Without enzyme catalysts, the complex reactions that build and break down cell parts would not happen at a rate compatible with life. Enzyme names usually describe the reaction that is being catalyzed and all of them end in -ase. that is important for the process.1
The diagram above shows the 3D molecular structure of Hydroxyurea.
Common side effects include: bone marrow depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and skin changes. Hydroxyurea should not be taken by women who are pregnant and patients should not become pregnant while using this drug, as it may have harmful affects on the developing fetus. 1
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