title: Irinotecan (CPT-11): recent developments and future directions--colorectal cancer and beyond.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-5536, USA. mace.rothenberg@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rothenberg
mesh_terms: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002166:Camptothecin