Drug Groups

approved

Description

An antibiotic that is produced by Stretomyces achromogenes. It is used as an antineoplastic agent and to induce diabetes in experimental animals. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of malignant neoplasms of pancreas (metastatic islet cell carcinoma).

Pharmacology

Streptozocin is an antitumour antibiotic consisting of a nitrosourea moiety interposed between a methyl group and a glucosamine. Streptozocin is indicated in the treatment of metastatic islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Streptozocin inhibits DNA synthesis in bacterial and mammalian cells. In bacterial cells, a specific interaction with cytosine moieties leads to degradation of DNA. The biochemical mechanism leading to mammalian cell death has not been definitely established; streptozocin inhibits cell proliferation at a considerably lower level than that needed to inhibit precursor incorporation into DNA or to inhibit several of the enzymes involved in DNA synthesis. Although streptozocin inhibits the progression of cells into mitosis, no specific phase of the cell cycle is particularly sensitive to its lethal effects.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include nausea and vomiting, anorexia, myelosuppression; and nephrotoxicity.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Primarily hepatic

Absorption

Poor oral absorption (17-25%)

Half Life

5-15 minutes

Elimination

As much as 20% of the drug (or metabolites containing an N-nitrosourea group) is metabolized and/or excreted by the kidney.

References

External Links