We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Busulfan?

By Emma G.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 1,946
Share

Busulfan is a common cancer drug. It is generally used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. Busulfan can also be combined with other drugs in order to prepare a patient for bone marrow transplant.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a cancer that affects the white blood. It causes increased growth of these cells in the bone marrow and increased accumulation in the blood. Doctors usually diagnose this condition after a blood test indicates an elevated white blood cell count in the patient.

Cancer cells are less stable than normal cells because they divide more often and with fewer safeguards against error. This allows them to be more easily damaged. Busulfan works by attaching an alkaline missing one hydrogen, known as an alkyl, to the DNA in cells. The alkyl damages the cell, making it unable to divide.

The drawback to this treatment is that it cannot be targeted to affect only cancer cells. Normal cells are damaged as well. Cells that sustain the most damage are the cells that divide most often, such as the gastrointestinal cells, bone marrow cells, and ovaries.

This damage to normal cells causes some relatively serious side effects. Gastrointestinal issues, poor appetite, and mouth sours can result from damage to gastrointestinal cells. Tiredness and increased susceptibility to infection can result from damage to bone marrow cells. Busulfan may even cause a temporary decrease in fertility.

Usually the damage to normal cells is temporary. The normal cells should regenerate and be healthy once the cycle of cancer treatment is ended. There are some actions patients can take to help reduce uncomfortable or dangerous side effects from the drug.

Eating several small meals a day and taking anti-nausea medication can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues. Drinking several quarts of fluid every day can reduce the risk of dehydration if vomiting and diarrhea occur. As Busulfan lowers white blood cell counts, patients may be more susceptible to infection. Frequent hand washing and avoiding crowds can help reduce the risk.

Damage to normal cells is usually a problem, but it can help some patients. As Busulfan damages cells like bone marrow cells that divide often, it can be used to prepare patients for bone marrow transplant by destroying existing bone marrow.

Busulfan can be administered intravenously or taken in pill form. Dosing size will depend on the condition being treated and the height and weight of the patient. This is a powerful drug that should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-busulfan.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.