Cytarabine
This page contains brief information about cytarabine and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Cytarabine is approved to be used with other drugs to treat:
- Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia in adults and children.
Cytarabine is also approved to prevent and treat:
- Meningeal leukemia (leukemia that has spread to the meninges). It is given as intrathecal therapy.
Cytarabine may also be used to treat:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in blastic phase.
Cytarabine is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
Cytarabine is also available in a different form, combined with Daunorubicin Hydrochloride. For more information see the Drug Information Summary for Daunorubicin Hydrochloride and Cytarabine Liposome.
More About Cytarabine
Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
MedlinePlus Information on Cytarabine - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:
- warnings about this drug,
- what this drug is used for and how it is used,
- what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
- what you should know about this drug before using it,
- other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
- possible side effects.
Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.
Clinical Trials Accepting Patients
Find Clinical Trials for Cytarabine - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.