Adult Dosing
Metastatic malignant melanoma
- 2 to 4.5 mg/kg/day IV x 10 days, may be repeated in 4 wks intervals
- Alt: 250 mg/m2/day IV x 5 days, may be repeated q3 wks
Hodgkin's disease
- 150 mg/m2/day IV (in combination with other agents) x 5 days, may be repeated q4 wks
- Alt: 375 mg/m2/day IV q15 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
- Myelosuppression is the most common toxicity of dacarbazine. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, may be fatal. Anemia may also occur. Monitor WBC, RBC and platelets; temporarily suspend or discontinue treatment if required
- Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- Implement infection control measures if WBC drops; implement bleeding precautions if platelet count drops
- Assess injection site frequently for signs or symptoms of extravasation (eg, burning, pain, induration)
- Dacarbazine may cause hepatic vein thrombosis and hepatocellular necrosis
- Monitor CBC, WBC and platelet counts; hepatic and renal function periodically during treatment
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Bone marrow depression
- Pediatric population (safety not established)
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated with antineoplastic therapy. Due to the potential to cause serious adverse events, it is recommended that patients receiving dacarbazine should not breastfeed.
