Decitabine (Dacogen)

Also known as 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine.

General information

Class/mechanism: Pyrimidine/cytosine analog, DNA hypomethylating agent. Incorporates into DNA and inhibits DNA methyltransferase, causing DNA hypomethylation, which results in cellular differentiation or apoptosis.
Route: IV
Extravasation: no information

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

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndrome

History of changes in FDA indication

• 5/2/2006: Initial approval for treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated, de novo and secondary MDS of all French-American-British subtypes (refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) and intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System groups.

Patient drug information

• Decitabine (Dacogen) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Brief patient counseling information can be found on pages 8-9 of the Decitabine (Dacogen) package insert
• Decitabine (Dacogen) patient drug information (UpToDate)