6-Thioguanine (6-TG)

6-TG is one of the older chemotherapy drugs and has been around for many years. It is an active medicine against some leukemias. 6-TG is a pill and is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

• Acute Lymphoid Leukemia

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. 6-TG is normally administered orally for many days until a response is achieved.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of 6-TG. Following are some of the most common and important adverse effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Loss of appetite

• Yellow jaundice

It is imperative that patients communicate any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.