Structure of Cytarabine
Cytarabine, also known as Ara-C, is a pyrimidine analog with the following structural features:
Cytosine Base: Similar to the natural nucleobase cytosine.
Ribose Sugar: Modified with an arabinose moiety.
Chemical Formula: C₄H₇N₃O₅
Mode of Action
Cytarabine functions as an antimetabolite by:
Inhibition of DNA Polymerase: Incorporates into DNA, causing chain termination.
Inhibition of DNA Synthesis: Disrupts DNA replication and repair.
Induction of Apoptosis: Causes cytotoxicity in rapidly dividing cells, particularly in leukemic cells.
Uses
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): As a cornerstone of induction and consolidation therapy.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): In combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: As part of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens.
Hairy Cell Leukemia: In combination with other treatments.