This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Amsacrine (Amsidine) a chemotherapy drug used to treat leukaemia. It works by blocking an enzyme called topoisomerase 2. When this enzyme is blocked the cancer cells cannot divide. It is also an alkylating agent which means it damages the DNA of the cancer cell so it cannot reproduce itself.
Side effects can include: tiredness, increased risk of infection, skin bruising, mouth ulcers, nausea and vomiting, potential loss of fertility, hair loss (rarely).
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list