Which chemotherapy drug is commonly used as a part of combination therapy for leukemia?

Methotrexate is commonly included in chemotherapy regimens for certain types of leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is an antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which ultimately leads to the disruption of the production of nucleotides required for DNA replication. This mechanism is crucial in targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells, which is a hallmark of leukemia.

In the context of combination therapy, methotrexate is often used alongside other agents to create a more effective treatment strategy, enhancing the overall response rates and improving patient outcomes. Its inclusion helps to prevent the development of resistance that may occur with single-agent therapy.

Other drugs mentioned may also be used in leukemia treatment but serve different roles or pertain to different types of leukemia. For example, cyclophosphamide is a cyclophosphamide is a alkylating agent often used in various cancers, while doxorubicin is an anthracycline that is potent against a range of malignancies. Vincristine, derived from the periwinkle plant, is also commonly used, especially in pediatric leukemia treatments, but when considering common combinations specific to leukemia, methotrexate holds a significant position.