Irinotecan: a new antineoplastic agent for the management of colorectal cancer.
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.
Cersosimo
R J
RJ
Bouvé College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA. r.cersosimo@nunet.neu.edu
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
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002166:Camptothecin