cytarabine + temozolomide

Cytarabine + temozolomide is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of two small molecule antineoplastic agents, cytarabine and temozolomide. Cytarabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by incorporating into DNA and inhibiting DNA polymerase, leading to cell death. Temozolomide is an alkylating agent of the imidazotetrazine class that methylates DNA at the O6 and N7 positions of guanine, resulting in DNA damage and apoptosis. This combination has been investigated primarily for central nervous system (CNS) malignancies such as primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and leptomeningeal dissemination of gliomas, where it has shown promising response rates in small studies[1][2]. The regimen may be used with or without other agents such as methotrexate or as part of salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory CNS tumors.