Products
Mitomycin is commercially available as a powder for the preparation of a solution for injection or infusion (Mitem).
Structure and properties
Mitomycin (C15H18N4O5, Mr = 334.3 g/mol) exists as a blue-violet crystalline powder or as crystals and is sparingly soluble in water. It is formed by a strain of. Mitomycin was first isolated in the 1950s.
Effects
Mitomycin (ATC L01DC03) has cytotoxic and antitumor properties. It is a prodrug that is activated in cells. The effects are predominantly due to cross-linking of DNA, resulting in inhibition of DNA synthesis. Mitomycin is more potent against proliferating cells.
Indications
Mitomycin is used to treat various carcinomas (e.g., gastric cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic carcinoma, bronchial carcinoma) and to prevent recurrence of superficial bladder cancer after transurethral resection.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered intravenously or intravesically (into the urinary bladder).
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include digestive disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, and bone marrow suppression with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. In addition, numerous other side effects may occur.
