azacitidine · Medicine question

How does azacitidine exert its anticancer effects?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

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Azacitidine is believed to exert anticancer effects through cytotoxicity against abnormal bone-marrow blood-forming cells and DNA methyltransferase inactivation, causing DNA hypomethylation that may restore cancer-suppressing gene functions; the relative importance of these mechanisms to clinical outcomes is unestablished.

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Vidaza 25 mg/ml powder for suspension for injectionBristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals limited · emc · SmPC §5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties · Version 25Document updated 19 December 2023

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Are clinically significant effects of azacitidine (Vidaza) on cytochrome P450 enzymes expected?Which blood-related adverse effects are associated with azacitidine (Vidaza), particularly during the first two treatment cycles?Can azacitidine (Vidaza) be used during pregnancy?How can azacitidine (Vidaza) affect driving or operating machinery?Is breastfeeding contraindicated during treatment with azacitidine (Vidaza)?What symptoms can occur with differentiation syndrome associated with injectable azacitidine?

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