title: The global role of irinotecan in the treatment of lung cancer: 2003 update.
abstract: Lung cancer is the most lethal malignancy in the United States. In light of its natural history, new agents with improved systemic activity are needed. Irinotecan (CPT-11, Camptosar) is a promising agent in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer. In subgroup analysis of a Japanese phase III trial, irinotecan or irinotecan/cisplatin demonstrated a significant survival advantage compared with standard vindesine (Eldisine)/cisplatin in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Similar North American phase III trials focusing on irinotecan's role in non-small-cell lung cancer are planned. Ongoing trials have also been inaugurated to corroborate the significant survival advantage reported by a Japanese phase III trial of irinotecan/cisplatin vs standard etoposide/cisplatin in extensive small-cell lung cancer. Current and planned trials in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer will investigate treatment using irinotecan in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar), the taxanes, and other new agents, as well as with thoracic radiotherapy. Moreover, trials in small-cell lung cancer are investigating the utility of irinotecan in combination with a platinum agent when incorporated in chemoradiotherapy regimens. It is hoped that data from these and other studies will help investigators to more clearly delineate a role for irinotecan in the management of lung cancer.
authors.affiliation: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. CJ_Langer@fccc.edu
authors.forename: Corey J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Langer
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D007564:Japan; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014751:Vindesine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000093542:Gemcitabine
chemical_list: D003841:Deoxycytidine; D005047:Etoposide; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002945:Cisplatin; D014751:Vindesine; D002166:Camptothecin; D000093542:Gemcitabine