streptozocin

Streptozocin is a nitrosourea antineoplastic agent and alkylating antibiotic, originally produced by fermentation of Streptomyces achromogenes. It is primarily used in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic islet cell carcinoma and other neuroendocrine tumors. Streptozocin works by alkylating DNA, leading to interstrand cross-links that inhibit DNA synthesis and cell division, resulting in cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Its sugar moiety confers specificity for pancreatic beta and exocrine cells. The drug is administered intravenously as a powder reconstituted with liquid. Major toxicities include dose-related renal toxicity, severe nausea/vomiting, hepatic dysfunction, diarrhea, hematologic changes, mutagenicity, and potential carcinogenicity[1][2][5][7][8].

Brand names

Zanosar

Other names

streptozotocinestreptozocinastreptozocinestreptozociniumstreptozocinum2-deoxy-2-(3-methyl-3-nitrosoureido)-D-glucopyranose1-methyl-1-nitroso-3-(tetrahydroxyhexanoyl)ureaN-D-glucosyl-(2)-N'-nitrosomethylurea