Cladribine (Leustatin) is a drug used to treat hairy cell leukemia (leukemic reticuloendotheliosis) and multiple sclerosis. Its chemical name is 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2CDA).
As a purine analog, it is a synthetic anti-cancer agent that also suppresses the immune system. Chemically, it mimics the nucleoside adenosine and thus inhibits the enzyme adenosine deaminase, which interferes with the cell's ability to process DNA. It is easily destroyed b...
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Cladribine (Leustatin) is a drug used to treat hairy cell leukemia (leukemic reticuloendotheliosis) and multiple sclerosis. Its chemical name is 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2CDA).
As a purine analog, it is a synthetic anti-cancer agent that also suppresses the immune system. Chemically, it mimics the nucleoside adenosine and thus inhibits the enzyme adenosine deaminase, which interferes with the cell's ability to process DNA. It is easily destroyed by normal cells except for blood cells, with the result that it produces relatively few side effects and results in very little non-target cell loss.
Cladribine is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic hairy cell leukemia (HCL).
It is under investigation for other B cell leukemias and lymphomas, such as mantle cell lymphoma,, and for use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
According to the Histiocytosis Association of America, cladribine is used to treat histiocytosis.
For hairy cell leukemia, cladribine can be given by IV infusion or...
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