Eflornithine

Definition

A difluoromethylated ornithine compound with antineoplastic activity. Eflornithine irreversibly inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme required for polyamine biosynthesis, thereby inhibiting the formation and proliferation of tumor cells. Polyamines are involved in nucleosome oligomerization and DNA conformation, creating a chromatin environment that stimulates neoplastic transformation of cells. This agent has been shown to induce apoptosis in leiomyoma cells. (NCI04)

Also known as 2-(Difluoromethyl)-DL-ornithine, 2-Difluoromethylornithine, Alpha-Difluoromethylornithine, D,L-alpha-Difluoromethylornithine, DFMO, Difluoromethylornithine, Difluromethylornithine, EFLORNITHINE — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC D11AX16 per RXNORM
• ATC L01XX79 per RXNORM
• ATC P01CX03 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C226 per NCIT
• SCTID 108715006 per RXNORM
• SCTID 372533004 per RXNORM
• UNII ZQN1G5V6SR per RXNORM

Indications