What is Mitotane?

Mitotane is a targeted drug that is mainly used to treat adrenocortical carcinoma and its related conditions.

What is Mitotane?

As a specific drug, the mechanism of action of Mitotane is unique and complex. It acts on adrenal cortex cells to induce specific changes in intracellular cytochrome C oxidase, which in turn affects the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This change disrupts the normal energy metabolism process of the cells, resulting in an imbalance in the internal environment of adrenal cortex cells (ACC cells), promoting apoptosis of ACC cells, and achieving selective damage to the adrenal cortex with relatively little impact on other tissue cells.

Mitotane is structurally similar to the insecticides DDT and DDD and can cause atrophy and necrosis of the adrenal cortex. After giving Mitotane, the level of adrenocorticosteroid and its metabolites in the body can decrease rapidly, so as to achieve the purpose of treatment.

Indications for Mitotane

Mitotane is primarily used to treat inoperable, functional, and non-functional adrenocortical cancers. These cancers are often insensitive to conventional treatments, and mitotant, through its unique mechanism of action, offers patients new treatment options.

Mitotane is also used to treat adrenal hyperplasia as well as hypercortisolism caused by tumors, helping to relieve patients' symptoms and improve quality of life.

Pre-medication precautions for Mitotane

1. Liver function assessment

Mitotane may cause liver damage, and the patient's liver function needs to be assessed before taking it. If hepatic insufficiency is present, the drug should be used with caution or avoided.

2. Allergy history inquiry

To find out if the patient has an allergic reaction to Mitotane or any of its components, patients with a history of allergies should avoid it.

3. Other drug use

Know if the patient is taking other drugs that may affect Mitotane metabolism or increase its side effects so that the medication regimen can be adjusted in time.

【Warm tips】When patients buy generic drugs, they should choose formal channels to ensure the quality and safety of the drugs. Avoid purchasing counterfeit products from informal sources.