Valrubicin
Valrubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent used to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in patients who have failed or are intolerant to BCG therapy. It works by inhibiting nucleic acid metabolism, causing chromosomal damage, and arresting cancer cell division. This medication is administered directly into the bladder (intravesical instillation) and provides an alternative treatment option when standard immunotherapy has been unsuccessful.
Valrubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug administered directly into the bladder for BCG-refractory non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, working by disrupting cancer cell nucleic acid metabolism and division.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01DB09
- RxNorm
- 31435
- Generic
- Valrubicin
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Valstar
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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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.
Treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), specifically carcinoma in situ (CIS) and papillary tumors, in patients who have failed Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy or cannot tolerate BCG treatment.
As an anthracycline agent, valrubicin inhibits the incorporation of nucleosides into nucleic acids, causes chromosomal damage, and arrests the cell cycle in the G2 phase, thereby disrupting cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Administered via intravesical instillation into the bladder. Common side effects include urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and hematuria. Requires adequate hydration and patient retention of the drug for approximately 2 hours. Reserved for patients who have failed first-line BCG therapy. Monitor for signs of bladder irritation or systemic absorption.
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