title: Irinotecan: a new antineoplastic agent for the management of colorectal cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, therapeutic, and safety aspects of irinotecan, a new antineoplastic agent, and to assess its role in the treatment of colorectal and lung cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  English-language articles from the MEDLINE database, January 1990-March 1998; Pharmacia & Upjohn Company; published articles and meeting abstracts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies in humans with cancer, clinical case reports, and open clinical studies were reviewed. Efficacy studies were limited to trials with at least 20 evaluable patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant data were extracted from published reports and abstracts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Irinotecan is an effective agent for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. It demonstrates significant activity as a first-line agent and in patients with disease that is refractory to fluorouracil-containing regimens. Activity against lung cancer has also been demonstrated. Limited data indicate activity against cancers of the ovary, cervix, stomach, and in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Major toxicity consists of myelosuppression and diarrhea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Irinotecan is a useful addition to the antineoplastic drug family and offers significant efficacy for treatment of patients with fluorouracil-refractory colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Bouvé College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA. r.cersosimo@nunet.neu.edu
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Cersosimo
mesh_terms: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002166:Camptothecin