6-mercaptopurine + prednisone

6-mercaptopurine + prednisone is a combination of two pharmaceutical agents used primarily in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and certain autoimmune conditions. 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is an antimetabolite and purine analog that inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, leading to cytotoxicity in rapidly dividing cells. Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, acting through glucocorticoid receptor agonism to modulate gene expression and suppress immune responses. The combination has been studied as induction or maintenance therapy for acute leukemias (notably acute lymphoblastic leukemia), as well as for steroid-dependent Crohn's disease, where it can reduce steroid requirements while maintaining remission[1][4]. This regimen may be used alone or as part of multi-agent protocols.