streptozocin at a glance
Medicine class
Cytotoxic nitrosourea alkylating agent
Licensed role
Advanced, progressive or symptomatic well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours in adults
Given as
Intravenous infusion by trained healthcare professionals
Key safety focus
Kidney function, hydration, nausea and vomiting
What is streptozocin used for?
The selected product is licensed for systemic treatment in adults.
Inoperable, advanced or metastatic, progressive and/or symptomatic, well-differentiated grade 1 or 2 neuroendocrine tumours originating in the pancreas, in combination with fluorouracil.
How does streptozocin work?
Streptozocin breaks down into reactive compounds that methylate and cross-link DNA. This damage can stop tumour cells surviving and dividing. Its glucose-like component contributes to its association with pancreatic tissue and may affect blood-glucose control.
streptozocin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 g
How to take streptozocin
Hospital staff reconstitute and dilute the powder, then give it through a free-flowing intravenous line under an experienced cancer specialist's supervision.
Hydration is required to help limit kidney toxicity.
Anti-sickness treatment is normally given because nausea and vomiting are likely.
Tell the nurse immediately about pain, burning or swelling at the infusion site.
streptozocin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Kidney toxicity, which may initially be detected through blood or urine tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe kidney injury or acute renal failure
- Low blood-cell counts causing infection, unusual bleeding or marked tiredness
- Severe tissue injury if the infusion leaks outside the vein
- Liver toxicity
- Significant changes in blood-glucose control
streptozocin in pregnancy
There are no adequate pregnancy data, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Streptozocin is not recommended during pregnancy unless a specialist concludes that the potential maternal benefit outweighs fetal risk. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for the product-specified period afterwards; discuss pregnancy plans or possible exposure promptly with the oncology team.
streptozocin while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is contraindicated during treatment because transfer into milk is unknown and harm to the infant cannot be excluded. Ask the oncology and maternity teams when breastfeeding could safely be considered after treatment.
streptozocin interactions
The cancer team should review medicines and vaccinations before treatment.
Live or live-attenuated vaccines
Contraindicated because immunosuppression can lead to severe or potentially fatal vaccine-related infection.
Nephrotoxic medicines
Avoid combination because kidney toxicity may be increased.
Immunosuppressants
May further suppress immunity and increase the risk of lymphoproliferative disorders.
Common questions about streptozocin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is streptozocin chemotherapy?
Yes. It is a cytotoxic nitrosourea chemotherapy that damages tumour-cell DNA.
How is streptozocin administered?
It is prepared by trained hospital staff and given as an intravenous infusion with hydration and close monitoring.
Can streptozocin damage the kidneys?
Yes. Kidney toxicity can be cumulative, severe and occasionally fatal, although hydration and close monitoring help manage the risk.
Can streptozocin affect blood sugar?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.