dactinomycin

drug

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Dactinomycin is a type of antineoplastic antibiotic derived from Streptomyces bacteria. These drugs are primarily used to treat various cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and sarcomas.1

Dactinomycin works by interfering with DNA synthesis and replication. It achieves this by inserting itself into DNA or by creating reactive oxygen compounds that can break DNA strands. While it has antibiotic properties, it is generally too toxic for treating bacterial infections. Common side effects include blood cell damage and hair loss.1

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antineoplastic antibiotic
bleomycin, mitomycin, and dactinomycin, all of which are derived from species of Streptomyces bacteria. While these drugs may have antibacterial activity, they are generally too dangerous and toxic for that use. Antineoplastic antibiotics are associated with blood cell damage, hair loss, and other toxicities common to the antimetabolites…
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bleomycin, mitomycin, and dactinomycin, all of which are derived from species of Streptomyces bacteria. While these drugs may have antibacterial activity, they are generally too dangerous and toxic for that use. Antineoplastic antibiotics are associated with blood cell damage, hair loss, and other toxicities common to the antimetabolites…
Read More