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What is Temozolomide
TemozolomideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTemozolomide is a medication used to treat brain tumors such as refractory anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III) and Glioblastoma multiforme (WHO grade IV). It is a prodrug that is taken orally or through injection, and it works by releasing a highly reactive methyl diazonium cation that leads to DNA damage and eventual cell death. Temozolomide is the standard of care for these types of tumors and was approved by the FDA in 1999 and 2009. It is marketed under the name TEMODAR® by Merck.
Temodaris the brand name
Temozolomide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Temodar
Temozolomide
1999
164
Effectiveness
How Temozolomide Affects PatientsTemozolomide is a drug that works by attacking and damaging DNA in cells, leading to their death. This drug can cause myelosuppression (lowered production of white and red blood cells), myelodysplastic syndrome, secondary malignancies, and myeloid leukemia. Pneumonia and liver damage are also possible side effects and patients must be monitored for these issues throughout their course of treatment. Animal studies have found that this drug can have serious effects on unborn babies, so male and female patients should use contraception for three and six months after their last dose.
How Temozolomide works in the bodyGlioblastoma is a type of brain tumor treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, usually with a drug called temozolomide. Temozolomide is a small molecule that breaks down in the body to form an agent that can attach to the DNA in cancer cells. This agent specifically targets guanine in the DNA, which causes the cell to die or prevents it from reproducing. It can also alter the number of immune system cells in the tumor, which may enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dose of Temozolomide is contingent upon the diagnosed ailment, such as Refractory Ewing Sarcoma, melanoma and Glioblastoma. The quantity of dosage fluctuates, as per the method of administration (e.g. Capsule or Intravenous) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Refractory Neuroblastoma
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Advance Directives
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Radiotherapy
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Nitrosourea treatment
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Glioblastoma
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Advance Directives
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Anaplastic astrocytoma
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Refractory Ewing Sarcoma
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Progression, Disease
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
melanoma
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Procarbazine treatment
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
refractory, advanced Mycosis fungoides
5.0 mg, , 20.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 140.0 mg, 180.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous
Warnings
Temozolomide has one contraindication, and thus should be avoided in cases where the conditions in the following table are present.Temozolomide ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Temozolomide may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Temozolomide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Temozolomide is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Temozolomide is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abatacept
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Temozolomide is combined with Abatacept.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Temozolomide is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Temozolomide is combined with Acteoside.
Temozolomide Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking high doses of temozolomide can lead to myelosuppression, which is reduced production of blood cells. This can cause infection and death. For example, one patient who took 2000 mg/day for five days suffered from decreased production of all types of blood cells, fever, and failure of multiple organs, which eventually led to death. If someone overdoses on temozolomide, they should be monitored for changes in their blood count and given supportive care if needed.
Temozolomide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Temozolomide?
217 active trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Temozolomide to treat melanoma, Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) and Glioblastoma.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Glioblastoma
77 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
66 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
refractory, advanced Mycosis fungoides
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Refractory Neuroblastoma
23 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2
Procarbazine treatment
0 Actively Recruiting
Refractory Ewing Sarcoma
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Advance Directives
0 Actively Recruiting
Nitrosourea treatment
0 Actively Recruiting
Radiotherapy
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Progression, Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
15 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2
melanoma
26 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable
Advance Directives
0 Actively Recruiting
Anaplastic astrocytoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Temozolomide Reviews: What are patients saying about Temozolomide?
3.7Patient Review
6/7/2009 This can help take the edge off of pain.
3.7Patient Review
11/1/2007Patient Q&A Section about temozolomide
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What type of chemotherapy is temozolomide?
"The drug Temozolomide is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug that works by classified as an "alkylating agent.""
Answered by AI
How toxic is temozolomide?
"The most common side effects of temozolomide are gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss. Anti-emetics were given to 179 out of 244 patients who experienced nausea and vomiting."
Answered by AI
What is temozolomide used for?
"Temozolomide is a cancer medication used to treat brain cancer in patients whose tumors have returned or been newly diagnosed. It is classified as an antineoplastic medication."
Answered by AI
What are temozolomide side effects?
"Common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, and constipation. You may also experience tiredness, dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping. These side effects are usually mild and improve over time. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve these symptoms."
Answered by AI