Irinotecan

Definition

A semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin, a cytotoxic, quinoline-based alkaloid extracted from the Asian tree Camptotheca acuminata. Irinotecan, a prodrug, is converted to a biologically active metabolite 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN-38) by a carboxylesterase-converting enzyme. One thousand-fold more potent than its parent compound irinotecan, SN-38 inhibits topoisomerase I activity by stabilizing the cleavable complex between topoisomerase I and DNA, resulting in DNA breaks that inhibit DNA replication and trigger apoptotic cell death. Because ongoing DNA synthesis is necessary for irinotecan to exert its cytotoxic effects, it is classified as an S-phase-specific agent.

Also known as (+)-(4S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-9-[(4-piperidino-piperidino)carbonyloxy]-1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinol-3,14,(4H,12H)-dione, (+)-7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecine 10-[1,4'-bipiperidine]-1'-carboxylate, [1,4'-bipiperidine]-1'-carboxylic acid (S)-4,11-diethyl-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl ester, 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxycamptothecin, IRINOTECAN — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC L01CE02 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C62040 per NCIT
• SCTID 108783005 per RXNORM
• SCTID 372538008 per RXNORM
• UNII 7673326042 per RXNORM

Indications

Organ Effects

3 entries above are marked DERIVED: Atlas Médico inferred them by combining two sourced claims, and no source asserts these links directly. Treat them as a navigation aid, not as a clinical statement.