Article: Procarbazine

Procarbazine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
N-(1-methylethyl)-4-[(N'-methylhydrazino)methyl]benzamide
Identifiers
CAS number	671-16-9
ATC code	L01XB01
PubChem	4915
DrugBank	APRD00695
Chemical data
Formula	C12H19N3O
Mol. weight	221.299 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	Hepatic, Renal
Half life	10 minutes
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	D(US)
Legal status	℞ Prescription only
Routes	Oral (Gel Capsule), Intraveneous

Procarbazine (Matulane® (US), Natulan (Canada)) is an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain brain cancers (such as Glioblastoma multiforme). It is a member of a group of medicines called alkylating agents. It gained FDA Approved in July 1969.

Pharmacology

Its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Metabolism yields azo-procarbazine and hydrogen peroxide which results in the breaking of DNA strands.

Indications

When used to treat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it is often delivered in a regimen known as MOPP when administrated with a Nitrogen Mustard, Vincristine (tradename Oncovin), and Prednisone (the second P being Procarbazine itself). Alternatively, when used to treat certain brain tumors (malignant gliomas), it is often dosed as PCV when combined with Lomustine (often called CCNU) and Vincristine.