Name:  Cyclophosphamide

Synonyms:  1-(Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)-1-oxo-2-aza-5-oxaphosphoridine; 2-(Di(2-chloroethyl)amino)-1-oxa-3-aza-2-phosphacyclohexane 2-oxide

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  C₇H₁₅C_l2N₂O₂P

Molecular Weight:  261.09

CAS Number:  50-18-0

EINECS:  200-015-4

 

Cyclophosphamide (the generic name for Endoxan, Cytoxan, Neosar, Procytox, Revimmune), also known as cytophosphane, is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent, from the oxazophorines group. Cyclophosphamide is used to treat various types of cancer and some autoimmune disorders. Cyclophosphamide is a "prodrug"; Cyclophosphamide is converted in the liver to active forms that have chemotherapeutic activity.

The main use of cyclophosphamide is together with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of lymphomas, some forms of leukemia and some solid tumors. Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping cell growth. Cyclophosphamide also works by decreasing the immune system's response to various diseases. Its use is becoming more common in autoimmune diseases where disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been ineffective. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with severe lupus nephritis, for example, may respond to pulsed cyclophosphamide. In 2005, however, standard treatment for lupus nephritis changed to mycophenolic acid (MMF) from cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide is also used to treat Minimal Change Disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Cyclophosphamide is still used for Wegener's granulomatosis, with trade name Cytoxan. For multiple sclerosis the trade name is Revimmune.