Streptozocin (Zanosar)

General information

Class/mechanism: Nitrosourea, alkylates DNA and RNA, antibiotic oncologic, mechanism not fully understood. Streptozocin has been observed to have greater toxicity to pancreatic islet beta cells, possibly because streptozocin can be transported into beta cells via the glucose transport protein GLUT2.
Route: IV
Extravasation: irritant

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Adrenocortical carcinoma
• Pancreatic NET

Diseases for which it was used

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Pancreatic cancer

Patient drug information

• Streptozocin (Zanosar) patient drug information from manufacturer
• Streptozocin (Zanosar) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Streptozocin (Zanosar) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 1982-05-07: Initial FDA approval for the treatment of metastatic islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Responses have been obtained with both functional and nonfunctional carcinomas. Because of its inherent renal toxicity, therapy with this drug should be limited to patients with symptomatic or progressive metastatic disease. (No supporting studies are cited)

Also known as

• Generic name: STZ
• Brand name: Zanosar