Valrubicin

Valrubicin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat bladder cancer. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of the anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin. Valrubicin is administered directly into the bladder, a method known as intravesical administration, for patients who cannot undergo surgery. It works by interfering with DNA replication and cell division, ultimately leading to the death of cancer cells.

The primary indication for valrubicin is carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder that is refractory to treatment with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). CIS is a non-invasive form of bladder cancer where abnormal cells are found on the surface of the bladder lining. BCG is a common immunotherapy for bladder cancer, and when it is ineffective, valrubicin may be considered as an alternative.

Valrubicin is typically administered as a solution instilled into the bladder through a catheter. The solution is retained in the bladder for a specific period, usually two hours, before being drained. The frequency and duration of treatment depend on the individual patient's response and tolerance.

Common side effects of intravesical valrubicin can include bladder irritation, pain during urination (dysuria), blood in the urine (hematuria), urinary urgency, and bladder spasms. Systemic absorption is generally minimal due to the intravesical route of administration, which helps to reduce the severe systemic side effects often associated with other anthracyclines. However, caution is advised in patients with compromised bladder integrity.