Prodrug activated by hepatic CYP enzymes to methyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC), which methylates DNA at O6 and N7 positions of guanine, causing DNA crosslinks, mismatch repair failure, and apoptosis. Cell-cycle non-specific.
At a glance
Class
Alkylating Agent / Triazene (Chemotherapy)
Schedule
Prescription (Chemotherapy)
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted — protect from light; stable 8h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions
Dosing
Used for relapsed lymphoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and apocrine gland c
Frequency
q3 weeks per protocol
Safety
CBC at nadirHepatic enzymesGI toleranceTumor response
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Dacarbazine (DTIC)?
Dacarbazine (DTIC) is a alkylating agent / triazene (chemotherapy) used in pets. Prodrug activated by hepatic CYP enzymes to methyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC), which methylates DNA at O6 and N7 positions of guanine, causing DNA crosslinks, mismatch repair failure, and apoptosis. Cell-cycle non-specific.
›What is Dacarbazine (DTIC) used for in pets?
Dacarbazine (DTIC) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for relapsed lymphoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and apocrine gland c; Rarely used in cats.
›What is the Dacarbazine (DTIC) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dacarbazine (DTIC) is typically dosed as follows — Used for relapsed lymphoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and apocrine gland c: 800–1000 mg/m² PO q3 weeks per protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Dacarbazine (DTIC) dose for cats?
For cats, Dacarbazine (DTIC) is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used in cats: undefined undefined IV q3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Dacarbazine (DTIC) need a prescription?
Yes. Dacarbazine (DTIC) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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