Daunorubicin is a chemotherapy medication used primarily to treat certain types of cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anthracyclines, which work by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This drug is usually administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion and can have side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. Due to its potency, daunorubicin is often used in combination with other cancer treatments to enhance effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.