Decitabine
Decitabine is an antineoplastic medication used primarily to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It works by inhibiting DNA methylation enzymes after being incorporated into DNA, leading to cellular differentiation and apoptosis of cancer cells. This hypomethylating agent helps restore normal gene function that controls cell differentiation and proliferation.
Decitabine is a DNA-hypomethylating agent used to treat certain blood cancers by causing cancer cells to differentiate and die.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01BC08
- RxNorm
- 15657
- Generic
- Decitabine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Inqovi, Dacogen
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Decitabine is primarily indicated for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), including previously treated and untreated de novo and secondary MDS, as well as for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in certain patient populations.
Decitabine exerts its antineoplastic effects after cellular uptake and phosphorylation, leading to direct incorporation into DNA. This incorporation causes inhibition of DNA methyltransferase enzymes, resulting in hypomethylation of DNA. The hypomethylation restores normal gene expression patterns that control cellular differentiation, ultimately leading to cellular differentiation or apoptosis of malignant cells.
Decitabine is administered intravenously and requires careful hematologic monitoring due to potential myelosuppression. Treatment cycles are typically repeated every 4-8 weeks. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection, bleeding, and liver toxicity. Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment as the drug may cause fetal harm.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy