liposomal cytarabine

Liposomal cytarabine is a sustained-release formulation of the antimetabolite chemotherapy drug cytarabine encapsulated in liposomes for direct administration into the cerebrospinal fluid. It is primarily used for the intrathecal treatment of lymphomatous meningitis (lymphoma involving the meninges/lining of the brain and spinal cord). The encapsulation in liposomes allows prolonged exposure to therapeutic concentrations within the central nervous system. Cytarabine acts as an antimetabolite by inhibiting DNA polymerase during S-phase of cell division, thereby blocking DNA synthesis and repair and leading to cell death. This formulation is not interchangeable with standard (non-liposomal) cytarabine[1][3][4][7].

Brand names

DepoCyt

Other names

cytarabine liposomecytarabine liposomalDepocyt