ribavirin + cytarabine

This combination therapy consists of the antiviral agent ribavirin and the antimetabolite chemotherapy drug cytarabine (Ara-C), specifically investigated in a Phase I/II clinical trial led by the Jewish General Hospital (Segal Cancer Centre). The regimen targets patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly those with M4 or M5 subtypes or high expression of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). In this context, ribavirin is repurposed as a targeted therapy to inhibit eIF4E, which is responsible for the nuclear export and translation of oncogenic mRNAs (such as cyclin D1). By blocking the eIF4E cap-binding site, ribavirin suppresses the production of proteins that drive leukemogenesis and contribute to drug resistance. Cytarabine, a nucleoside analog, works synergistically by inhibiting DNA polymerase and incorporating into DNA, leading to chain termination and apoptosis. The combination aims to overcome resistance mechanisms, including those mediated by UGT1A-driven glucuronidation.

Other names

Ribavirin and Low-dose Ara-CRibavirin and Cytarabine ArabinosideRibavirin and Low-dose Cytarabine