Futashu (mitoxantrone hydrochloride)

Futashu is a specialized formulation of mitoxantrone hydrochloride developed as a lymphatic tracer for use in oncology surgery, particularly for gastric adenocarcinoma. Unlike the traditional use of mitoxantrone as a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent, this formulation is designed for lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection. It works by binding to proteins in the interstitial fluid after local injection, which then enter the lymphatic vessels and accumulate in the lymph nodes, staining them blue. This allows surgeons to visually identify and track the lymphatic drainage from a tumor site, aiding in precise lymphadenectomy. It is being compared to carbon nanoparticles (Canarin) in Phase III trials in China.

Brand names

Futashu

Other names

Mitoxantrone Hydrochloride Injection for Tracing