Clinical Use of Irinotecan: Current Status and Future Considerations.

Overview

Irinotecan (CPT-11, Camptosar), a semisynthetic, water-soluble derivative of the plant alkaloid camptothecin, is a drug which has undergone extensive clinical investigation worldwide. It is, at this time, commercially available in the United State for the treatment of fluorouracil-refractory colorectal cancer. In this review, I will discuss the current approved clinical use, discus the issues of toxicity and its management, and consider some of the ongoing clinical investigations which are exploring possible future uses for this agent.