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A one-week infusion that puts most people with hairy cell leukaemia into remission for years; also used in multiple sclerosis in tablet form.
Piro et al. (NEJM 1990) reported durable complete remissions in hairy cell leukaemia from a single 7-day course; approved 1993. Also used in mastocytosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Waldenström and AML regimens (CLAG-M). Prolonged CD4 lymphopenia and infection risk; adding rituximab increases MRD-negative remission.
2-chlorodeoxyadenosine resists adenosine deaminase, accumulates as triphosphate in lymphocytes with high deoxycytidine kinase, and induces apoptosis in dividing and resting cells.
1.Cladribine slips into a pocket on its target.
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. Generic; IV or subcutaneous for hairy cell leukaemia. (Oral cladribine, Mavenclad, is a multiple sclerosis drug and Part D.)
Multi-source generic; covered under the medical benefit without prior authorisation in most plans, as part of standard regimens.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
Sources: NICE search: cladribine. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 1993 | Active hairy cell leukaemia |
| EU | 2004 | Hairy cell leukaemia (Litak, subcutaneous) |
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Query for this drug: (TITLE:"Cladribine" OR ABSTRACT:"Cladribine" OR TITLE:"Leustatin" OR ABSTRACT:"Leustatin" OR TITLE:"Litak" OR ABSTRACT:"Litak") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Cladribine, not a curated reading list.
Shares Role of the Therapy Tailored to Risk Factors in Treating Adult Patients (≤60) With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Treatment of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplasia, Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares Role of the Therapy Tailored to Risk Factors in Treating Adult Patients (≤60) With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Treatment of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplasia, Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares LCH-IV, International Collaborative Treatment Protocol for Children and Adolescents With Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares LCH-IV, International Collaborative Treatment Protocol for Children and Adolescents With Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Treatment of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplasia, Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares Infection prophylaxis in lymphoma: PJP, herpes, fungal risk and vaccination, Waldenström macroglobulinaemia, Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares Infection prophylaxis in lymphoma: PJP, herpes, fungal risk and vaccination, Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.
Shares Cytotoxic chemotherapy and the tag generic.