The correct spelling of the drug "Ara C" is debated among medical professionals. The drug's chemical name is cytosine arabinoside, but it is commonly abbreviated as Ara C. The spelling confusion arises from the differing pronunciations of the word "arabinoside" in American and British English. In American English, it is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable ("uh-RAB-uh-nuh-side"), while in British English, the stress is on the second syllable ("uh-rah-BINE-uh-side"). The IPA phonetic transcription for Ara C would be /ˈærə si/, reflecting the American English pronunciation.
Ara C, also known as cytarabine, is a chemotherapy medication primarily used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including leukemia. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antimetabolites, which work by interfering with the growth and replication of cancer cells in the body.
Ara C's chemical structure and action are similar to natural substances within the body that are involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material essential for cell functioning and reproduction. By mimicking these substances, Ara C is able to inhibit the production of DNA and RNA, thereby impeding cancer cell growth and ultimately leading to their death.
Due to its mechanism of action, Ara C is particularly effective against rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. It is commonly used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Ara C is typically administered through injection or infusion into a vein, ensuring its direct delivery to the bloodstream. It is usually given in cycles, allowing the body time to recover between treatments. Common side effects of Ara C treatment may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, and an increased susceptibility to infections.
As with any chemotherapy medication, Ara C should only be used under the close supervision of a medical professional experienced in cancer treatment.
The term "Ara C" is an abbreviation for "cytarabine", which is an anticancer drug used in chemotherapy. The word "cytarabine" itself does not have a specific etymology. However, it is derived from the chemical name "cytosine arabinoside". Cytosine is one of the four nucleotide bases present in DNA, and "arabinoside" refers to the sugar molecule arabinose that is attached to cytosine in the chemical structure of cytarabine.