Dacarbazine
Say it: da-KAR-buh-zeen
Dacarbazine is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Your liver changes dacarbazine into its active form. It then adds small chemical pieces to DNA and damages it. Cancer cells cannot copy themselves and die.
Often used for
- Hodgkin lymphoma (as part of a combination)
- melanoma that has spread
- and some other cancers, such as sarcomas
How you get it
Dacarbazine is given through a vein (IV), often over 30 to 60 minutes. For Hodgkin lymphoma it is often given every 2 weeks with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Nausea and vomiting, which can be strong. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Wash your hands often.
- Flu-like feelings, such as fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Rest and drink fluids.
- Poor appetite. Try small meals.
- Burning or pain in the vein during the infusion. Tell your nurse right away.
- Hair thinning.
- Skin that burns easily in the sun. Use sunscreen and cover up.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the IV went in
- Yellow skin or eyes, belly pain, or belly swelling
- Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts.
- Rarely, it can cause serious liver damage. Your team will check your liver.
- If the medicine leaks out of the vein, it can harm the skin. Tell your nurse about any burning.
- Rarely, it can cause a new cancer years later.
Questions to ask
- What other medicines will I get with this?
- How can I best manage nausea?
- How often will I have blood tests?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Pain
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Dacarbazine?
- Dacarbazine is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
- What is Dacarbazine used for?
- Hodgkin lymphoma (as part of a combination); melanoma that has spread; and some other cancers, such as sarcomas.
- How is Dacarbazine given?
- Dacarbazine is given through a vein (IV), often over 30 to 60 minutes. For Hodgkin lymphoma it is often given every 2 weeks with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Dacarbazine?
- Nausea and vomiting, which can be strong. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Flu-like feelings, such as fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Poor appetite. Burning or pain in the vein during the infusion. Hair thinning. Skin that burns easily in the sun.
- When should I call my care team while taking Dacarbazine?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Pain, swelling, or redness where the IV went in; Yellow skin or eyes, belly pain, or belly swelling; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine; Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Dacarbazine?
- AAVD, ABVD.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.