Temozolomide
Brand Names
Temodar (There may be other brand names for this medication)
How is Temozolomide Administered?
Temozolomide comes as a capsule and is taken by mouth, usually once a day for 5 days. After 28 days, you take another 5 days of the medication. Your full dose may contain two or more different strength capsules.
What Is It Used For?
This drug is used to treat some types of brain tumors, including astrocytomas.
How Does it Work?
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Both normal and cancer cells go through cycles that include a resting phase, active growing phases, and division. Your chemotherapy schedule is based upon the type of cancer you have, the rate at which they divide, and the times when each drug is the most likely to be effective. This is why chemotherapy is typically given in cycles.
Temozolomide is in a class of drugs known as alkalyting agents, specifically it is an imidazotetrazine derivative. Alkylating agents are most active in the resting phase of the cell.
Temozolomide acts as a "pro-drug", which means your body will turn it into its active form, the form that fights cancer.
