Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase-1 which catalyses the breaking and rejoining of DNA strands.
Irinotecan is licensed for first-line use in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, in combination with fluorouracil and folinic acid, and as second-line monotherapy when fluorouracil-based therapy has failed (1)
A regime of 5-fluorouracil and leucovirin and Irinotecan has been shown to be beneficial compared to a regime without Irinotecan. There was an objective response in 39% vs 21%, a longer time before tumour progression 7 months vs 4 months and a longer median survival 15 months vs 13 months (2).
Adverse effects include:
The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.
Reference:
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