Side Effects of dacarbazine: A Synthesis of Findings from 21 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Dacarbazine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including melanoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of dacarbazine. 3 reported that dacarbazine can cause respiratory toxicity and dyspnea in patients with melanoma. 14 showed that dacarbazine can be used to treat neuroendocrine tumors, and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite were observed. 8 indicated that dacarbazine inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells, but side effects such as skin inflammation and rash were reported.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of dacarbazine are caused by the drug's mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting DNA synthesis. This can affect both cancer cells and normal cells, leading to side effects. The severity of side effects can vary depending on the dose and the patient's individual health status.

Common Side Effects

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of dacarbazine. 16 reported that side effects of dacarbazine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another common side effect of dacarbazine. 16 reported that side effects of dacarbazine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.

Leukopenia

Leukopenia, a decrease in white blood cell count, is a common side effect of dacarbazine, as it can affect normal white blood cells. This can increase the risk of infections, so careful monitoring is necessary.

Anemia

Anemia, a decrease in red blood cell count, is another common side effect of dacarbazine, as it can affect red blood cells. Anemia can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and paleness.

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia, a decrease in platelet count, is a common side effect of dacarbazine, as it can affect platelets. This can increase the risk of bleeding, so careful monitoring and preventative measures are essential.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Countermeasures for Nausea and Vomiting

Antiemetics can be used to manage nausea and vomiting caused by dacarbazine. These medications include 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, dopamine receptor antagonists, and cannabinoids. In addition, dietary therapy and hydration are crucial.

Countermeasures for Fatigue

Getting adequate rest is essential for managing fatigue caused by dacarbazine. Maintaining a nutritious diet can also help.

Countermeasures for Leukopenia

To prevent infections related to leukopenia caused by dacarbazine, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as hand washing and gargling. If you experience any symptoms, such as fever, consult your doctor immediately.

Countermeasures for Anemia

Iron supplements or blood transfusions may be necessary to manage anemia caused by dacarbazine. Dietary therapy and exercise therapy can also be helpful.

Countermeasures for Thrombocytopenia

To prevent bleeding associated with thrombocytopenia caused by dacarbazine, it's important to take precautions to avoid injuries. If bleeding is difficult to stop, consult your doctor immediately.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities among Studies

The studies consistently show that dacarbazine is effective in suppressing cancer cell growth, but they also highlight the occurrence of side effects. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Differences among Studies

Each study has its own specific parameters, such as the method and dosage of dacarbazine administration. This leads to variations in the frequency and severity of side effects observed. Additionally, the type of cancer being treated differs across studies, which can influence the pattern of side effects.

Cautions for Application to Real Life

While dacarbazine is an effective drug for treating cancer, it's crucial to understand that it comes with potential side effects. If you are considering dacarbazine therapy, it is essential to consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits and ensure that you are fully informed about the possible side effects before making any treatment decisions.

Current Research Limitations

There are still gaps in our understanding of the side effects of dacarbazine, and further research is needed to address these limitations. Specifically, long-term effects of dacarbazine and the variability of side effects based on individual differences require further investigation.

Future Research Directions

Continued research and development efforts are crucial to mitigate the side effects of dacarbazine. Elucidating the mechanisms behind these side effects is critical for developing strategies to predict and prevent them. Research on combination therapy with dacarbazine and other drugs is also vital for exploring alternative treatment approaches.

Conclusion

Dacarbazine is a valuable drug for cancer treatment, but it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. If you are considering taking dacarbazine, it is essential to consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits and ensure that you are fully informed about the possible side effects before making any treatment decisions. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of dacarbazine and to develop strategies for preventing and managing its side effects.

Literature analysis of 21 papers
Positive Content
19
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
0
Article Type
2
3
4
6
21
1.

Low-dose short-term cyclosporine versus etretinate in psoriasis: improvement of skin, nail, and joint involvement.

Author: MahrleG, SchulzeH J, FärberL, WeidingerG, SteiglederG K

Nail and joint improvement
Psoriasis treatment
Cyclosporine side effects
Relapse risk

Low-dose short-term cyclosporine therapy was highly effective and well tolerated for psoriasis, compared to etretinate. Remission was better preserved by tapering the drug than by discontinuing treatment abruptly.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Efficacy and side effects of dacarbazine in comparison with temozolomide in the treatment of malignant melanoma: a meta-analysis consisting of 1314 patients.

Author: TeimouriFatemeh, NikfarShekoufeh, AbdollahiMohammad

Melanoma treatment
Drug cost
Side effects

Dacarbazine and temozolomide are chemotherapies used for palliative treatment of malignant melanoma. A meta-analysis of three clinical trials showed no significant difference in efficacy between the two drugs, but temozolomide was associated with a higher risk of lymphopenia. Given its higher cost and side effect profile, dacarbazine may be a better first-line treatment option.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Options of Therapeutics and Novel Delivery Systems of Drugs for the Treatment of Melanoma.

Author: WangHongbin, TranTuan T, DuongKatherine T, NguyenTrieu, LeUyen M

Melanoma treatment
Side effects

Melanoma treatment using FDA-approved drugs has limitations due to side effects and patient non-compliance. Novel drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, have been developed to improve drug delivery, targeting, and bioavailability, potentially reducing toxicity and enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

10.

Abscopal Effect and Drug-Induced Xenogenization: A Strategic Alliance in Cancer Treatment?

Author: FranzeseOrnella, TorinoFrancesco, GiannettiElisa, CioccoloniGiorgia, AquinoAngelo, FaraoniIsabella, FuggettaMaria Pia, De VecchisLiana, GiulianiAnna, KainaBernd, BonmassarEnzo

Abscopal effect
ICD cancer therapy

This review discussed the potential of combining ionizing radiation and cytotoxic antitumor agents to enhance tumor immunity and generate an abscopal effect. The review also discussed the influence of cancer chemotherapy on the antigenic pattern of target neoplastic cells and the immunogenic cell death (ICD) caused by anticancer agents.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

ABVD and BEACOPP regimens' effects on fertility in young males with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Author: AminM S A, BrunckhorstO, ScottC, WrenchD, GleesonM, KazmiM, AhmedK

Reproductive function impairment

This article discusses the side effects of chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in young males, specifically focusing on altered reproductive function. It highlights the need for further research and improved clinician awareness regarding this often-neglected issue.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

12.

Efficacy and safety of front-line treatments for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic literature review.

Author: DalalMehul, GuptaJatin, PriceKim, ZomasAthanasios, MiaoHarry, AshayeAjibade

Improved HL treatment

This study assesses the safety and efficacy of ABVD, BEACOPP, and A+AVD for treating advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

14.

Toxicities, safeties and clinical response of dacarbazine-based chemotherapy on neuroendocrine tumors in Taiwan population.

Author: ChiuHwa-Yen, LinLiang-Yu, ChouWen-Chi, FangWen-Liang, ShyrYi-Ming, YehYi-Chen, Mu-Hsin ChangPeter, ChenMing-Han, HungYi-Ping, ChaoYee, ChienSheng-Hsuan, ChenMing-Huang

Good response to DTIC
None mentioned

Dacarbazine-based chemotherapy is effective in treating neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and grade 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) with a Ki-67 index of 20-55%. Ki-67 index can predict prognosis for grade 3 NEC patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

15.

A novel combinatorial treatment option for metastatic uveal melanoma.

Author: ShneorDudi, TayebShay, Pe'erJacob, VoropaevHanna, GimmelsheinMaria, CassouxNathalie, HonigmanAlik, FrenkelShahar

DOX + CREB knockdown efficacy

CREB knockdown increases the sensitivity of uveal melanoma (UM) cells to both doxorubicin (DOX) and dacarbazine (DTIC) in normoxia and more so in hypoxia. This combination is a possible new treatment for mUM.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

16.

FDA Approval Summary: Trabectedin for Unresectable or Metastatic Liposarcoma or Leiomyosarcoma Following an Anthracycline-Containing Regimen.

Author: BaroneAmy, ChiDow-Chung, TheoretMarc R, ChenHuanyu, HeKun, KufrinDubravka, HelmsWhitney S, SubramaniamSriram, ZhaoHong, PatelAnuja, GoldbergKirsten B, KeeganPatricia, PazdurRichard

Leiomyosarcoma treatment
Liposarcoma treatment
Anaphylaxis
Cardiomyopathy
Extravasation
Hepatotoxicity
Neutropenic sepsis
Rhabdomyolysis

Trabectedin was approved by the FDA for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma in patients who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen. Trabectedin significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared to dacarbazine. However, it was associated with several adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis, neutropenic sepsis, and cardiomyopathy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

17.

Ethanol extract of Ilex hainanensis Merr. exhibits anti-melanoma activity by induction of G<sub>1</sub>/S cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Author: ZhangYa-Qi, YangHao, SunWei-Dong, WangJuan, ZhangBao-Yuan, ShenYan-Jun, YinMin-Qiang, LiuYun-Xing, LiuChang, SunYun

Antimelanoma activity
Apoptosis induction
Cell cycle arrest
Cell proliferation inhibition

IME exhibited significant anti-melanoma activity in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that IME might be a promising effective candidate with lower toxic for malignant melanoma therapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

18.

A phase II study of ipilimumab plus temozolomide in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Author: PatelSapna P, KimDae Won, BassettRoland L, CainSuzanne, WashingtonEdwina, HwuWen-Jen, KimKevin B, PapadopoulosNicholas E, HomsiJade, HwuPatrick, BedikianAgop Y

Enhanced antitumor activity
Gastrointestinal side effects

This open-label phase II study investigated the efficacy and safety of combining ipilimumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, with temozolomide in patients with metastatic melanoma. The combination demonstrated promising results, with a 45% 6-month progression-free survival rate and manageable toxicities. The findings suggest that this combination may enhance antitumor activity in melanoma patients.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

Comparison of first-line chemotherapy including escalated BEACOPP versus chemotherapy including ABVD for people with early unfavourable or advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma.

Author: SkoetzNicole, WillAndrea, MonsefIna, BrillantCorinne, EngertAndreas, von TresckowBastian

This study compares two different international standards for treating Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): chemotherapy with escalated BEACOPP and chemotherapy with ABVD.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

21.

Intratumoral injection of IFN-alpha dendritic cells after dacarbazine activates anti-tumor immunity: results from a phase I trial in advanced melanoma.

Author: RozeraCarmela, CappelliniGiancarlo Antonini, D'AgostinoGiuseppina, SantodonatoLaura, CastielloLuciano, UrbaniFrancesca, MacchiaIole, AricòEleonora, CasorelliIda, SestiliPaola, MontefioreEnrica, MonqueDomenica, CarleiDavide, NapolitanoMariarosaria, RizzaPaola, MoschellaFederica, BuccioneCarla, BelliRoberto, ProiettiEnrico, PavanAntonio, MarchettiPaolo, BelardelliFilippo, CaponeImerio

Melanoma treatment
Toxicity

This study explores the potential of using dendritic cells (DCs) generated in the presence of interferon-alpha (IFN-DCs) for immunotherapy of advanced melanoma patients. IFN-DCs are capable of efficiently uptaking, processing, and cross-presenting antigens to T cells, and combining this with tumor-destructing therapies may trigger an antitumor immune response.

Clinical Trial, Phase IThe first stage of clinical trials in humans. Evaluates the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a new drug/treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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