Tsüklophosphamiid

Tsüklophosphamiid, also known as cyclophosphamide, is a medication primarily used in chemotherapy and as an immunosuppressant. It belongs to a class of drugs called alkylating agents, which work by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and the activity of the immune system. Tsüklophosphamiid is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form in the body. This activation occurs mainly in the liver, where it is transformed into metabolites that can damage DNA.

Its mechanism of action involves cross-linking DNA strands, which prevents the cancer cells from replicating and ultimately leads to their death. This makes it effective against a variety of cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. As an immunosuppressant, tsüklophosphamiid is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and nephrotic syndrome, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

The administration of tsüklophosphamiid can be oral or intravenous. Like many chemotherapy drugs, it can cause significant side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and a decrease in blood cell counts (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), which can increase the risk of infection and bleeding. More serious side effects can include bladder toxicity (hemorrhagic cystitis), infertility, and an increased risk of developing secondary cancers. Due to its potent effects, tsüklophosphamiid is always administered under strict medical supervision.