HOW DACOGEN WORKS
Methylation is a process that acts like a switch to inactivate or “silence” genes
in certain regions of DNA.1 In many types of cancer, an excess of methylation
can cause genes to be “switched” off incorrectly.
DACOGEN® (decitabine) for Injection is a hypomethylating agent, that
is, it decreases methylation. It is believed to work inside the DNA to reverse these
abnormal DNA methylation patterns. By modifying the cause of disease, DACOGEN may
give patients an option for therapy and
improved outcomes.
Because DACOGEN may change the
course of the disease
by helping the bone marrow function more normally, the symptoms of MDS may improve.
Increased red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and/or platelet counts may
help with anemia, stopping infections and help prevent excess bleeding.
DACOGEN is administered intravenously (into a vein) in a clinic or hospital. It
is recommended that patients be treated with DACOGEN for a minimum of four (4) treatment
cycles. However, a complete or partial response may take longer than 4 cycles. Response
may be achieved as early as the second treatment cycle of DACOGEN; however, therapy
may be continued as long as the patient continues to benefit.
DACOGEN is approved for the treatment of several types of MDS regardless of whether
or not you have been previously treated.
References