Mitoxantrone
Say it: mye-toe-ZAN-trone
Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA of cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Mitoxantrone slips in between the strands of DNA. It also blocks an enzyme called topoisomerase II that cells need to copy DNA. This causes DNA breaks, and the cancer cells die.
Often used for
- acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- advanced prostate cancer, to ease pain
- some lymphomas
- certain forms of multiple sclerosis
How you get it
Mitoxantrone is given through a vein (IV) over about 5 to 30 minutes. For leukemia it is often given once a day for a few days in a row. For prostate cancer it is often given every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Blue-green urine for a day or two. This is harmless. The whites of your eyes may also look a little blue.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Wash your hands often.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and rinse your mouth often.
- Hair thinning or loss. It usually grows back after treatment.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to.
- Missed or changed periods.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, or a fast or uneven heartbeat
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV went in
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Mouth sores that keep you from eating or drinking
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have heart problems or have had radiation to your chest
- If you have had doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or a similar medicine before
- If you have liver problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Mitoxantrone can weaken the heart muscle. The risk goes up with the total amount you get over time. You will have heart tests before and during treatment.
- It can raise the risk of a new leukemia later in life.
- It must only be given into a vein, never into the spine.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts and liver.
Questions to ask
- How will my heart be checked, and how often?
- How many doses can I safely get over my lifetime?
- Is the blue color in my urine normal for me?
- What should I do if I get a fever?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Mitoxantrone?
- Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA of cancer cells so they cannot grow.
- What is Mitoxantrone used for?
- acute myeloid leukemia (AML); advanced prostate cancer, to ease pain; some lymphomas; certain forms of multiple sclerosis.
- How is Mitoxantrone given?
- Mitoxantrone is given through a vein (IV) over about 5 to 30 minutes. For leukemia it is often given once a day for a few days in a row. For prostate cancer it is often given every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Mitoxantrone?
- Blue-green urine for a day or two. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Nausea and vomiting. Mouth sores. Hair thinning or loss. Feeling tired. Missed or changed periods.
- When should I call my care team while taking Mitoxantrone?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, or a fast or uneven heartbeat; Chest pain or pressure; Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV went in; Unusual bleeding or bruising; Mouth sores that keep you from eating or drinking.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Mitoxantrone?
- CLAG-M.
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.