Enocitabine is primarily used in the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It is a nucleoside analog that functions as an antimetabolite, effectively inhibiting the synthesis of DNA in rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. This makes it a valuable component in chemotherapy regimens, especially for hematologic malignancies like leukemia. The compound is administered intravenously, allowing it to directly target cancerous cells in the bloodstream and bone marrow. Its mechanism of action involves incorporation into the DNA strand, leading to the termination of DNA replication and ultimately inducing cell death. Enocitabine is often used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance its efficacy and reduce the likelihood of resistance development. Due to its targeted action on DNA synthesis, it is also being explored for potential applications in treating viral infections that rely on rapid DNA replication. However, its use is carefully monitored due to potential side effects, including myelosuppression and gastrointestinal disturbances, which are common with antimetabolite drugs.