Procarbazine

Procarbazine (Matulane® (US), Natulan (Canada)) is an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain brain cancers (such as Glioblastoma multiforme). It is a member of a group of medicines called alkylating agents. It gained FDA Approved in July 1969. The drug is metabolized and activated in the liver. It also inhibits MAO thus increasing the effects of sympathomimetics, TCAs and tyrammine.

Pharmacology

Its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Metabolism yields azo-procarbazine and hydrogen peroxide which results in the breaking of DNA strands.

Indications

When used to treat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it is often delivered in a regimen known as MOPP when administrated with a Nitrogen Mustard, Vincristine (tradename Oncovin), and Prednisone (the second P being Procarbazine itself). Alternatively, when used to treat certain brain tumours (malignant gliomas), it is often dosed as PCV when combined with Lomustine (often called CCNU) and Vincristine.

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