Dactinomycin is an antineoplastic (anticancer) antibiotic. It works by binding to DNA and blocking RNA synthesis, which prevents cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

It is given only by intravenous (IV) injection and must be administered by trained healthcare professionals.

Dactinomycin is used in the treatment of several cancers, especially in children and young adults, including:

       •  Wilms’ tumor (kidney cancer)

       •  Rhabdomyosarcoma

       •  Ewing’s sarcoma

       •  Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (choriocarcinoma, molar pregnancy-related cancers)

       •  Testicular cancer (in combination therapy)

       •  Osteosarcoma (in combination regimens)

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Mouth sores (stomatitis)

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Hair loss (alopecia)

Serious Side Effects

• Bone marrow suppression

  • Low white blood cells (infection risk)

  • Low platelets (bleeding risk)

  • Anemia

• Liver toxicity (raised liver enzymes)

• Severe skin and tissue damage if leakage occurs outside the vein (extravasation)

• Radiation recall reaction (skin redness in previously irradiated areas)

• Increased risk of infections

• Rare: secondary malignancies

Dosage is individualized based on:

• Type of cancer

• Body weight or body surface area (BSA)

• Age and overall health

• Combination with other chemotherapy drugs

Typical Dosage Ranges (General Reference)

• Adults:

  • Approximately 0.5–1.25 mg/m² IV, given daily for up to 5 days, repeated at intervals.

• Children:

  • Commonly 15 micrograms/kg/day IV for up to 5 days.