Daunorubicin (Cerubidine)

General information

Class/mechanism: Anthracycline, binds and intercalates between DNA base pairs. Inhibits topoisomerase II activity by stabilizing the DNA-topoisomerase II complex, resulting in single and double strand DNA breaks. May also inhibit polymerase activity and trigger free radical damage to DNA.
Route: IV
Extravasation: vesicant

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

• B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Acute promyelocytic leukemia
• T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Toxicity information

• Per Feijen et al. 2015 , daunorubicin appears to be significantly less cardiotoxic than doxorubicin in survivors of childhood cancer.

Patient drug information

• Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 1979-12-19: Initial FDA approval
• Uncertain date: Approved in combination with other approved anticancer drugs for remission induction in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) of adults. (Based on Yates et al. 1973, possibly others)
• Uncertain date: Approved for remission induction in acute lymphocytic leukemia of children and adults. (Based on ALGB 6801 & CALGB 7612)

History of changes in EMA indication

• 1966-06-08: EURD

Patient Information

• Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) package insert

Also known as

• Generic name: daunomycin
• Brand names: Cerubidin, Cerubidine, D-Blastin, Daunoblastin, Daunoblastina, Daunocin, Daunomicina, Daunorubicine, Daurocina, Maxidauno, Ondena, Rubidomycin, Rubilem, Rubomycin, Runabicon