5-chloro-2'-deoxycytidine

5-chloro-2'-deoxycytidine is a halogenated pyrimidine nucleoside analog primarily investigated as a selective radiosensitizing agent for the treatment of various cancers, including melanoma. It serves as a prodrug that is phosphorylated by deoxycytidine kinase and can be deaminated by cytidine deaminase into 5-chloro-2'-deoxyuridine. These metabolites are eventually incorporated into the DNA of rapidly dividing cells as thymine mimics (specifically as 5-chlorodeoxyuridine triphosphate), which increases the susceptibility of the DNA to strand breaks during ionizing radiation therapy. Because it is rapidly catabolized by systemic cytidine deaminase, it is often studied in combination with inhibitors like tetrahydrouridine (THU) to improve its therapeutic index and bioavailability. Beyond its therapeutic potential, 5-chloro-2'-deoxycytidine is a well-established biomarker for chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, as it is formed in vivo through the action of myeloperoxidase-derived hypochlorous acid on DNA.

Brand names

Cytochlor

Other names

5-chlorodeoxycytidine5-chloro-2'-deoxycytosine