Doxorubicin is a semi-synthesized anticancer agent derived from bacterial culture. [1] It is an anthracycline antibiotic. It is been widely used in blood cancers, solid tumors and sarcomas.
Doxorubicin intercalates into DNA double strand and inhibits the progression of DNA topoisomerase II, stopping replication process. [2] Doxorubicin also induces histone eviction from open chromatin, causing DNA damage and epigenetic deregulation. [3]
Doxorubicin is administrated intravenously. Approximately 75% of doxorubicin and its metabolites bind to plasma protein. Doxorubicin does not cross blood brain barrier. 50% of the drug is eliminated unchanged from the body mainly though bile excretion. The remaining undergoes one-electron reduction, two-electron reduction, and deglycosidation. The major metabolite is a potent membrane ion pump inhibitor, which is associated with cardiomyopathy. [4]
References:
[1]Brayfield, A, ed. (2013). Doxorubicin. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. Pharmaceutical Press. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
[2]Pommier Y., et al. (2010). DNA topoisomerases and their poisoning by anticancer and antibacterial drugs. Chemistry & Biology 17 (5): 421–433.
[3]Pang, B., et al. (2013). Drug-induced histone eviction from open chromatin contributes to the chemotherapeutic effects of doxorubicin. Nature Communications 4 (5): 1908
[4]Boucek RJ., et al. (1987). The major metabolite of doxorubicin is a potent inhibitor of membrane-associated ion pumps. A correlative study of cardiac muscle with isolated membrane fractions. J of Biol Chem 262: 15851-15856.