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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 09/30/2009
  • Updated: 05/19/2011

Daunorubicin Hydrochloride

listen 1  (DAW-noh-ROO-bih-sin HY-droh-KLOR-ide)

This page contains brief information about daunorubicin hydrochloride and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Cerubidine
Rubidomycin
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Daunorubicin hydrochloride is approved to be used with other drugs as remission induction therapy to treat:

It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Daunorubicin Hydrochloride

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Daunorubicin Hydrochloride 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results

High Dose Chemotherapy Significantly Prolongs Survival for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia 4 - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

High-dose Daunorubicin Benefits Younger Adults with Leukemia 5 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Arsenic Trioxide Improves Survival in Adults with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) 6 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Daunorubicin Hydrochloride 7 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (uh-KYOOT LIM-foh-BLAS-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh)
An aggressive (fast-growing) type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) are found in the blood and bone marrow. Also called acute lymphocytic leukemia and ALL.
acute myeloid leukemia (uh-KYOOT MY-eh-loyd loo-KEE-mee-uh)
An aggressive (fast-growing) disease in which too many myeloblasts (immature white blood cells that are not lymphoblasts) are found in the bone marrow and blood. Also called acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, AML, and ANLL.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
remission induction therapy (reh-MIH-shun in-DUK-shun THAYR-uh-pee)
Initial treatment with anticancer drugs to decrease the signs or symptoms of cancer or make them disappear.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/720500.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=39779
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682289.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/AMLdaunorubicin
5http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/100609/page3#c
6http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_013007/page4
7http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=39779&idtype=1
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
10http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
11http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access