Cytoxan Uses

"Minimal change" nephrotic syndrome and various types of cancer are among the conditions that can be treated with Cytoxan. Uses of the drug specifically include the treatment of lymphomas, breast cancer, leukemia, and ovarian cancer. The medication is also used for the treatment of leukemia and nephrotic syndrome in children. "Off-label" Cytoxan uses can include the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and aplastic anemia.

 

An Overview of Cytoxan Uses

Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of various types of cancer. It is also approved to treat certain kidney problems in children. Specifically, Cytoxan is approved to treat the following cancers:
 
Cytoxan is approved to treat "minimal change" nephrotic syndrome in children (a kidney disorder) when other treatments have failed. Nephrotic syndrome is a group of kidney damage symptoms (such as protein in the urine); and "minimal change" means that little kidney damage is seen when a kidney biopsy is performed.
 

How Does Cytoxan Work?

Cytoxan is part of a group of medications called alkylating agents. Cytoxan itself is not active against cancer, but it is metabolized by the liver into its active form. The active form causes "cross-linking" of DNA cells. When DNA is cross-linked, it can no longer function properly. Since DNA is essential for cells to grow and multiply, alkylating medications prevent cell growth and multiplication and may cause cell death.
 
While Cytoxan can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are, therefore, more affected by Cytoxan.
 
Cytoxan also suppresses the immune system, which is probably how it works to treat nephrotic syndrome.
 
(Cytoxan Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;