Pharmacology of mitoxantrone: mode of action and pharmacokinetics

Although a number of investigators have established that mitoxantrone (Novantrone; dihydroxyanthracenedione) inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis and intercalates with DNA in vitro, its exact mechanism of action is unclear. Mitoxantrone is structurally related to a series of substituted anthraquinones and has features known to be essential for DNA intercalation; however, we have determined recently that mitoxantrone binds DNA in intact L1210 leukemia cells by a non-intercalative, electrostatic interaction and induces both protein associated and non-protein associated DNA strand scissions. The difference between mitoxantrone and doxorubicin with respect to their interactions with DNA could account for their relative lack of cross-resistance in the treatment of lymphoma and acute leukemia. Distribution and half-life data provide a pharmacological rationale for the use of mitoxantrone on an intermittent dosing schedule. Considerable evidence exists to suggest that mitoxantrone undergoes extensive metabolism, probably in the liver. Preliminary data show that abnormal liver function leads to decreased rates of total body mitoxantrone clearance, suggesting a possible need for dose reduction in patients with severe liver dysfunction. The most important route of mitoxantrone elimination appears to be fecal. Because of the relatively low urinary excretion it is unlikely that the standard drug dose must be reduced in the presence of compromised renal function.