Dactinomycin
Also known as: ACT-D, Actinomycin D, Cosmegen, DACT, Dactinomycin, Lyovac-Cosmegen
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Summary
Dactinomycin (Actinomycin D) is a DNA-intercalating antineoplastic peptide antibiotic used intravenously for selected pediatric and adult solid tumours.
Mechanism of Action
DNA intercalation at transcription initiation sites, inhibiting RNA polymerase and blocking RNA synthesis
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Gestational trophoblastic diseaseOncologyHigh
- RhabdomyosarcomaOncologyHigh
- Wilms tumourOncologyHigh
- Wilms tumor treatmentOncologyHigh
- Gestational trophoblastic neoplasiaOncologyHigh
- Ewing sarcomaOncologyHigh
- Rhabdomyosarcoma treatmentOncologyHigh
- Testicular carcinoma treatmentOncologyModerate
- Ewing sarcoma treatmentOncologyHigh
- Regional perfusion for solid tumorsOncologyModerate
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to actinomycin DAllergyHigh
- Chickenpox (varicella) or herpes zoster infectionInfectionHigh
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrganModerateLiver function concerns
- Severe bone‑marrow suppressionHematologicHigh
- Recent live vaccinesImmunologicalModerate
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Severe bone marrow suppressionHematologicHigh
- Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (in combination with radiation)HepatotoxicityHigh
Adverse Effects
- HepatotoxicityHepaticUncommonLiver injury or dysfunction
- AlopeciaDermatologicCommonHair loss
- Mucositis / stomatitisGastrointestinalCommon
- Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- MucositisGastrointestinal / MucosalCommon
- Tissue necrosis (extravasation)Local/dermatologicalUncommon
- MyelosuppressionHematologicCommon
- Hepatotoxicity / veno-occlusive diseaseHepaticUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Live vaccinesHigh
- Radiation therapyHigh
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole)Low
- Other myelosuppressive agents (e.g., anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide)High
- Other myelosuppressive agentsModerate
- Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Infants < 6 monthsPediatricRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Breastfeeding womenReproductiveAbsolute
- ElderlyAgeRelative
- Patients with hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Wilms tumour, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, Gestational trophoblastic disease
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Wilms tumour, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, Gestational trophoblastic diseasePrescribed under oncologist supervision; IV infusion
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Wilms tumour, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, Gestational trophoblastic disease
Approved in the US, EU and UK for Wilms tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and gestational trophoblastic disease; administered under oncology specialist supervision.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dactinomycin?
Dactinomycin (Actinomycin D) is a DNA-intercalating antineoplastic peptide antibiotic used intravenously for selected pediatric and adult solid tumours.
What is Dactinomycin used for?
Dactinomycin is educationally associated with: Gestational trophoblastic disease, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumour, Wilms tumor treatment, Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, Ewing sarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma treatment, Testicular carcinoma treatment, Ewing sarcoma treatment, Regional perfusion for solid tumors. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Dactinomycin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous.
What are the potential side effects of Dactinomycin?
Reported adverse effects include: Hepatotoxicity, Alopecia, Mucositis / stomatitis, Nausea and vomiting, Mucositis, Tissue necrosis (extravasation), Myelosuppression, Hepatotoxicity / veno-occlusive disease. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Dactinomycin?
Recorded contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to actinomycin D, Chickenpox (varicella) or herpes zoster infection, Severe hepatic impairment, Severe bone‑marrow suppression, Recent live vaccines, Pregnancy, Severe bone marrow suppression, Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (in combination with radiation). Consult a qualified clinician before use.