Cyclophosphamide and cancer: Golden anniversary

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363 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide remains one of the most successful and widely utilized antineoplastic drugs. Moreover, it is also a potent immunosuppressive agent and the most commonly used drug in blood and marrow transplantation (BMT). It was initially synthesized to selectively target cancer cells, although the hypothesized mechanism of tumor specificity (activation by cancer cell phosphamidases) transpired to be irrelevant to its activity. Nevertheless, cyclophosphamide's unique metabolism and inactivation by aldehyde dehydrogenase is responsible for its distinct cytotoxic properties. Differential cellular expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase has an effect on the anticancer therapeutic index and immunosuppressive properties of cyclophosphamide. This Review highlights the chemistry, pharmacology, clinical toxic effects and current clinical applications of cyclophosphamide in cancer and autoimmune disorders. We also discuss the development of high-dose cyclophosphamide for BMT and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)638-647
Number of pages10
JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology
Volume6
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 29 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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