Medicine & USMLE

Irinotecan, Topotecan

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Oncology Pharm
  1. Bleomycin
  2. Dactinomycin, Actinomycin D
  3. Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin
  4. Azathioprine, 6-MP
  5. Cladribine
  6. Cytarabine
  7. Busulfan
  8. Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide
  9. Nitrosoureas
  10. Paclitaxel
  11. Vincristine, Vinblastine
  12. Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin
  13. Etoposide, Teniposide
  14. Irinotecan, Topotecan
  15. Bevacizumab
  16. Erlotinib
  17. Cetuximab, Panitumumab
  18. Imatinib, Dasatinib
  19. Rituximab
  20. Bortezomib, Carfilzomib
  21. Trastuzumab
  22. Dabrafenib, Vemurafenib
  23. Raloxifene and Tamoxifen
  24. Hydroxyurea
  25. Procarbazine

Summary

Irinotecan and topotecan are both are DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors. By preventing DNA replication, they can be used to treat rapidly dividing cancer cells. Irinotecan has been shown to be effective in the treatment of colon cancer, and topotecan has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ovarian and small cell lung cancers. Side effects of these medications can include severe myelosuppression and diarrhea. 

Key Points

  • Irinotecan, Topotecan
    • Mechanism
      • Inhibit DNA topoisomerase I
        • Prevents DNA unwinding and replication
    • Clinical use
      • Colon cancer (irinotecan)
      • Ovarian and small cell lung cancer (topotecan)
    • Adverse effects
      • Severe myelosuppression
      • Diarrhea