Other Names

Cerubidine®, DaunoXome® (There may be other names for this medication.)

How is Daunorubicin Administered?

Daunorubicin is given by infusion into a vein (intravenous/IV). When used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it is usually given once a day on certain treatment days. When used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), it is usually given once a week.

Why am I Receiving Daunorubicin?

This drug is used to treat AML and ALL.

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 (reproduction). 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.

Daunorubicin is an anthracycline antitumor antibiotic. It acts in multiple phases of the cell cycle and slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Traditional chemotherapy agents identify and attack cancer cells because they reproduce quickly. Unfortunately, normal cells that reproduce quickly, such as hair follicles, blood cells, and the cells lining the digestive tract (mouth, stomach, intestines), are also affected. During treatment, this may cause side effects. These normal cells will eventually grow back and be healthy.

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