thioguanine is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The mechanism of action of thioguanine involves its conversion to active metabolites that interfere with DNA synthesis and repair.
thioguanine is a purine analog converted to 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) inside the cells. 6-TGNs are incorporated into DNA and RNA, disrupting normal cellular processes such as replication and transcription. thioguanine can also inhibit enzymes involved in DNA repair, leading to increased DNA damage and apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells.
The spectrum of activity of thioguanine is primarily against rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Still, it can also affect other rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as bone marrow and gastrointestinal cells. thioguanine is effective against various hematological malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia.
