title: Irinotecan in preoperative combined-modality therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.
abstract: Irinotecan (CPT-11, Camptosar) is a semisynthetic water-soluble derivative of the plant alkaloid camptothecin. This review will focus on the potential use of irinotecan in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) in the preoperative combined-modality treatment of advanced rectal cancer. The laboratory studies that define the mechanism of fluoropyrimidine- and camptothecin-mediated radiosensitization are discussed, and the rationale for combined-modality therapy using radiation with 5-FU and irinotecan is presented.
authors.affiliation: Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000077146:Irinotecan; D005472:Fluorouracil; D002166:Camptothecin