Cyclophosphamide use

These drugs are very closely related mustard agents that share most of the same primary mechanisms and toxicities. They are unique in that they can be taken orally and are cytotoxic only after generation of their alkylating species, which are produced through hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 (CYP450). These agents have a broad clinical spectrum, being used either singly or as part of a regimen in the treatment of a wide variety of neoplastic diseases, such as Burkitt lymphoma and breast cancer. Nonneoplastic disease entities, such as nephrotic syndrome and intractable rheumatoid arthritis, are also effectively treated with low doses of cyclophosphamide, include leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast and ovarian cancers, and neuroblastoma.