Effects of hydroxyurea: A Synthesis of Findings from 13 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Effects of hydroxyurea
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Effects of hydroxyurea: A Synthesis of Findings from 13 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Effects of hydroxyurea: A Synthesis of Findings from 13 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a drug used to treat sickle cell disease (SCD). HU is expected to reduce SCD symptoms by increasing the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Studies have analyzed the effects of HU in treating SCD from various angles. 3 investigated the effects of introducing community health workers (PNs) into HU treatment and found that PNs improved HU adherence by providing patient education and support. 12 suggested that pomalidomide has similar effects to HU but fewer side effects such as myelosuppression, making it promising as a treatment for SCD. 11 suggests that combining HU with other anticancer drugs may synergistically enhance the effects against lung cancer cells. 8 reports that HU can reduce the frequency and length of hospital stays for SCD patients with acute painful crises. 2 points out that although HU increases HbF production, side effects such as myelosuppression are a concern. 4 suggests that HU may affect the cell cycle in antibody-producing cells. 7 suggests that the effectiveness of HU treatment may vary depending on the patient's genetic polymorphism. analyzes the effects of HU on F cells (red blood cells containing HbF) in SCD patients. 5 suggests that HU positively affects the energy metabolism and contractile force of skeletal muscle in SCD model mice. 6 suggests that alpha thalassemia and HbF gene polymorphism influence HU treatment effectiveness in SCD patients. 10 analyzes the practical aspects of HU treatment in SCD patients in resource-limited settings. 1 suggests that HU is effective in suppressing the progression of bone marrow fibrosis in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. 13 reports that HU does not show an improvement in urine concentrating ability in HbSC disease patients. 9 reports a possible association between long-term use of HU and neuroendocrine carcinoma due to skin side effects. suggests that HU may have immunomodulatory effects in addition to its antiviral effects in HIV treatment.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Research suggests that HU has various benefits in treating SCD. HU may reduce SCD symptoms by increasing HbF production. 3 reports that PNs improve HU adherence. 8 suggests that HU reduces the frequency and length of hospital stays for SCD patients with acute painful crises. 5 suggests that HU positively affects the energy metabolism and contractile force of skeletal muscle in SCD model mice. It also suggests that HU can synergistically enhance the effects against lung cancer cells when combined with other anticancer drugs. 11

Risks Summary

HU may have risks such as myelosuppression and skin side effects. 2 points out that HU is a concern for side effects such as myelosuppression. 9 reports a possible association between long-term use of HU and neuroendocrine carcinoma due to skin side effects. 12 suggests that while HU causes side effects such as myelosuppression, pomalidomide has fewer of these side effects, making it promising as a treatment for SCD. HU should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a physician.

Comparison of Studies

Similarities in Studies

Multiple studies have reached a common conclusion that HU is effective in treating SCD. HU suggests the possibility of reducing SCD symptoms by increasing HbF production. It also suggests that HU can synergistically enhance the effects against lung cancer cells when combined with other anticancer drugs. 11

Differences in Studies

There are differences in findings regarding the effects and risks of HU between studies. For example, the conclusions vary regarding whether or not HU causes side effects such as myelosuppression. 2 points out that HU is a concern for side effects such as myelosuppression. 12 suggests that while HU causes side effects such as myelosuppression, pomalidomide has fewer of these side effects, making it promising as a treatment for SCD. Additionally, the association between long-term use of HU and neuroendocrine carcinoma is reported only by 9 and requires further investigation.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

The results of many studies are consistent in that HU is an effective treatment for SCD. However, there are variations in the effects and risks of HU across studies. Further research is needed to comprehensively assess the therapeutic effects and risks of HU.

Notes on Applying the Results to Real Life

While HU may be an effective drug for treating SCD, it may also have risks such as myelosuppression and skin side effects. 2 points out that HU is a concern for side effects such as myelosuppression. 9 reports a possible association between long-term use of HU and neuroendocrine carcinoma due to skin side effects. HU should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a physician.

Limitations of Current Research

Current research does not have enough data on the effects and risks of HU. Especially, further research is needed on long-term effects and risks. Additionally, because the study populations are limited, generalization should be cautious.

Future Research Directions

To assess the long-term effects and risks of HU, larger and longer-term clinical trials are needed. It is also necessary to investigate whether the effects of HU differ depending on the patient's genetic polymorphism and the presence of other diseases. 7

Conclusion

HU has the potential to be an effective drug for treating SCD. However, it may also have risks such as myelosuppression and skin side effects. 2 points out that HU is a concern for side effects such as myelosuppression. 9 reports a possible association between long-term use of HU and neuroendocrine carcinoma due to skin side effects. HU should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a physician.

Literature analysis of 13 papers
Positive Content
9
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
3
Article Type
2
0
0
1
13
1.

Comparative effects of interferon and hydroxyurea on bone marrow fibrosis in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Author: ThieleJ, KvasnickaH M

Fibrolytic effect
Stabilizing effect
Poor risk outcome
Worse survival

This study investigated the effect of hydroxyurea (HU) and interferon-alpha (IFN) on bone marrow fibrosis in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). IFN administration was found to stimulate bone marrow fibrosis, while HU had a more fibrolytic or stabilizing effect. Patients with a rapid progression of myelofibrosis during IFN and HU treatment had a poor risk outcome and worse survival.

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.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

A randomised controlled provider-blinded trial of community health workers in sickle cell anaemia: effects on haematologic variables and hydroxyurea adherence.

Author: SmithWally R, McClishDonna K, LottenbergRichard, SislerIndia Y, SopDaniel, JohnsonShirley, VillellaAnthony, LilesDarla, YangElizabeth, ChenIan

HU adherence improvement

This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of adding patient navigators (PNs) to specialty care for HU-eligible sickle cell anaemia (SCA) adults. Adding PNs led to behavioral improvements in HU adherence but no haematological improvements.

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, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

5.

Effects of hydroxyurea on skeletal muscle energetics and force production in a sickle cell disease murine model.

Author: MichelConstance P, BendahanDavid, GiannesiniBenoit, VilmenChristophe, Le FurYann, MessonnierLaurent A

Alleviated SCD symptoms
Improved muscle function
Reduced anemia

Hydroxyurea (HU) treatment in sickle cell disease (SCD) mice showed a beneficial effect on muscle function, potentially due to its impact on oxygen delivery. While HU did not alter muscle energetics, it significantly increased specific force production, suggesting a potential role in maintaining muscle function during aging in SCD.

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

6.

Combined and differential effects of alpha-thalassemia and HbF-quantitative trait loci in Senegalese hydroxyurea-free children with sickle cell anemia.

Author: Gueye TallFatou, MartinCyril, NdourEl Hadji Malick, RenouxCéline, LyIndou Déme, ConnesPhilippe, GueyePapa Madieye, DialloRokhaya Ndiaye, DiagneIbrahima, DiopPape Amadou, CisséAynina, Lopez SallPhilomène, JolyPhilippe

Reduced VOC

Alpha-thalassemia -3.7 kb deletion and HbF-promoting quantitative trait loci (HbF-QTL) are modulating factors of sickle cell anemia (SCA) clinical severity that interact with each other.

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

Language : English

8.

Hydroxyurea and acute painful crises in sickle cell anemia: effects on hospital length of stay and opioid utilization during hospitalization, outpatient acute care contacts, and at home.

Author: BallasSamir K, BausermanRobert L, McCarthyWilliam F, CastroOswaldo L, SmithWally R, WaclawiwMyron A,

Reduced pain crises

This abstract presents exploratory findings from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of hydroxyurea (MSH) in sickle cell anemia (SS).

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, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

9.

Association of cutaneous side-effects of hydroxyurea and neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Author: BouldouyreMarie-Anne, AvrilMarie-Françoise, GaulierAlain, Sigal-GrinbergMichèle

Cutaneous changes
Skin cancer

This case report describes a patient who developed a neuroendocrine carcinoma on the finger after long-term hydroxyurea (HU) therapy for thrombocytemia. The patient experienced cutaneous changes, including a dermatomyositis-like eruption and keratotic lesions, prior to the diagnosis of the carcinoma.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell disease in a resource-poor setting: Monitoring and effects of therapy. A practical perspective.

Author: Nnebe-AgumaduUche, AdebayoInnocent, ErigbuemIfeanyi, JamesEsther, KumodeEvelyn, NnoduObiageli, AdekileAdekunle

sickle cell disease
HU therapy
laboratory tests

Hydroxyurea (HU) is safe and effective for treating sickle cell disease in Nigerian children. Parents reported improvement in general well-being and a reduction in symptoms.

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

11.

Digitoxin and its synthetic analog MonoD have potent antiproliferative effects on lung cancer cells and potentiate the effects of hydroxyurea and paclitaxel.

Author: YakisichJuan Sebastian, AzadNeelam, VenkatadriRajkumar, KulkarniYogesh, WrightClayton, KaushikVivek, O'DohertyGeorge A, IyerAnand Krishnan V

Lung cancer treatment

This study evaluated the antiproliferative activity of digitoxin and MonoD, cardiac glycosides, on H460 lung cancer cells. Both drugs showed potent antiproliferative activity at clinically relevant concentrations, while paclitaxel, hydroxyurea, and colchicine were only active in cells growing in routine culture conditions. The study suggests that cardiac glycosides have potential clinical applications in lung cancer, especially in combination with other drugs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

12.

Pomalidomide augments fetal hemoglobin production without the myelosuppressive effects of hydroxyurea in transgenic sickle cell mice.

Author: MeilerSteffen E, WadeMarlene, KutlarFerdane, YerigenahallyShobha D, XueYongjun, Moutouh-de ParsevalLaure A, CorralLaura G, SwerdlowPaul S, KutlarAbdullah

Augment erythropoiesis
Preserve bone marrow function
Treat SCD
Treat β-thalassemia

This study investigated the effects of pomalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug, on erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis in a transgenic mouse model of sickle cell disease (SCD). The study found that pomalidomide induced modest increases in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) with similar efficacy as hydroxyurea but without myelosuppressive effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

13.

Maximum urine concentrating ability in children with Hb SC disease: effects of hydroxyurea.

Author: IyerR, BaligaR, NagelR L, BrugnaraC, KirchnerK, HoganS, SteinbergM H

Increased red cell hydration
Reduced hemolysis
Insufficient treatment
Renal medullary damage

Hydroxyurea was not associated with increased urine concentrating ability in children with Hb SC disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.