Open AccessIrinotecan (CPT‐11): Recent Developments and Future Directions–Colorectal Cancer and Beyond
Author(s) -
Rothenberg Mace L.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.6-1-66
Subject(s) - irinotecan , medicine , colorectal cancer , oncology , clinical trial , cancer , disease , chemotherapy , intensive care medicine
Since its approval in the United States in 1996, irinotecan (CPT‐11, Camptosar ® , Pharmacia Corp.; Peapack, NJ) has undergone extensive clinical evaluation. In the past five years, the focus of development has evolved from evaluation of single‐agent activity in refractory disease settings to evaluation of front‐line irinotecan‐based combination chemotherapy regimens and integration of irinotecan into combined modality regimens. Important studies have been performed clarifying the role of irinotecan in treating colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, small cell and non‐small cell lung cancer, and a variety of other malignancies. Preclinical studies performed in conjunction with these clinical trials have also provided significant insights into the pharmacology, metabolism, mechanisms of resistance, and molecular determinants of response. This review summarizes that progress, focusing on the achievements of the past five years.