Doxorubicin: Powerful Chemotherapy Drug with Potential Side Effects | GlpBio

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic drug that is widely used in chemotherapy to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. In biochemistry, it works by interfering with DNA replication and transcription, leading to the inhibition of cell growth and division.

Specifically, Doxorubicin binds to the DNA molecule and interferes with the topoisomerase II enzyme, which is responsible for untangling and separating the DNA strands during replication and transcription. This leads to the formation of DNA breaks and the inhibition of DNA synthesis, ultimately resulting in cell death.

However, Doxorubicin can have several side effects, including cardiotoxicity, which is a major concern in long-term treatment. The drug can damage heart muscle cells, leading to decreased cardiac function and the development of heart failure. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and increased risk of infection.

Despite its adverse effects, Doxorubicin remains an important tool in cancer treatment, and is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy to achieve better therapeutic outcomes. Ongoing research is focused on developing new drug delivery systems and identifying potential therapeutic targets to enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of Doxorubicin and other chemotherapy drugs.

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