Dacarbazine (DTIC)

General information

Class/mechanism: Alkylator, purine analog, inhibits DNA synthesis; exact mechanism unclear. Converted to the active alkylating metabolite MTIC.
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 or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is established (work in progress)

• Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
• Melanoma
  • Uveal melanoma

Diseases for which it is used

• Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte-predominant
• Neuroblastoma
• Pheochromocytoma
• Soft tissue sarcoma
  • Leiomyosarcoma
  • Liposarcoma

Patient drug information

• Dacarbazine (DTIC) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Dacarbazine (DTIC) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 1975-05-27: Initial FDA approval
• Uncertain date: indicated in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma. (No supporting studies are cited)
• Uncertain date: Indicated for Hodgkin's disease as a second-line therapy when used in combination with other effective agents. (No supporting studies are cited)

History of changes in EMA indication

• 1978-02-01: EURD

History of changes in PMDA indication

• 2013-03-25: New additional indication and a new dosage for the treatment of pheochromocytoma.

Also known as

• Generic names: dacarbazin, DTIC, imidazole carboxamide
• Brand names: Bazipar, Cedcozine, Dacarba, Dacarex, Dacin, Dacmed, Darbazine, Dazine, Decarb, Oncodac, Zydac