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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 06/15/2007
  • Updated: 07/19/2011

Liposomal Cytarabine

listen 1  (LY-poh-SOH-mul sy-TAYR-uh-been)

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

US Brand Name(s): DepoCyt
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Liposomal cytarabine is approved to treat:

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

Liposomal cytarabine is a form of cytarabine contained inside liposomes (very tiny particles of fat). This form may work better than other forms of cytarabine and have fewer side effects. Also, because its effects last longer in the body, it doesn't need to be given as often. For more information about cytarabine that may apply to liposomal cytarabine, see the Drug Information Summary for Cytarabine 2.

More About Liposomal Cytarabine

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 3 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Cytarabine 4 - 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.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Liposomal Cytarabine 5 - 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

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.
intrathecal chemotherapy (IN-truh-THEE-kul KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment in which anticancer drugs are injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
liposomal (LY-poh-SOH-mul)
A drug preparation that contains the active drug inside very tiny, fat-like particles. This form is easier for the body to absorb and allows more drug to get to the target area of the body, such as a tumor. Liposomal drugs may have fewer side effects and work better than other forms of the drug.
lymphoma (lim-FOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in cells of the immune system. There are two basic categories of lymphomas. One kind is Hodgkin lymphoma, which is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The other category is non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which includes a large, diverse group of cancers of immune system cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can be further divided into cancers that have an indolent (slow-growing) course and those that have an aggressive (fast-growing) course. These subtypes behave and respond to treatment differently. Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur in children and adults, and prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and the type of cancer.
lymphomatous meningitis (lim-FOH-muh-tus MEH-nin-JY-tis)
A serious problem that may occur in lymphoma. In lymphomatous meningitis, cancer cells have spread from the original (primary) tumor to the meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). The cancer may cause the meninges to be inflamed. Also called lymphomatous leptomeningitis.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/720534.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/cytarabine
3http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=42260
4http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682222.html
5http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=42260&idtype=1
6http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
7http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
8http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access