The interaction of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate (MTX).
The antimetabolites 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate (MTX) are the cornerstones in the maintenance treatment of children's acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The biochemical mechanisms underlying the increased therapeutic efficacy of the combination of these drugs have not yet been elucidated. However, both drugs interact with important pathways. such as purine de novo synthesis (PDNS), purine salvage, and methylation reactions. A review of the mechanistic aspects of the interactions between 6-MP and MTX is given.
Giverhaug
T
T
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø, Norway. trudeg@farmasi.uit.no
Loennechen
T
T
Aarbakke
J
J
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D015122:Mercaptopurine; D008727:Methotrexate