Renal handling of adriamycin

The excretion of the anticancer drug, adriamycin (ADR) was investigated in dogs. Its plasma half-life was found to be 8.4 hrs. 1. ADR was excreted in the bile against concentration gradient. The biliary clearance ratio between ADR and creatinine was ranged from 30-100. 2. Intra-arterial injection studies showed that ADR was both reabsorbed and secreted by the renal tubules. Stop-flow studies indicated that the secretion of ADR was localized at the proximal tubular section. 3. The tubular secretion of ADR is probably by an organic base secretory mechanism. Acidification of the urine would augment the urinary excretion of ADR and alkalinization reduces it. Probenecid has little effect on ADR excretion.