Irinotecan-Still an Important Player in Cancer Chemotherapy: A Comprehensive Overview.

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Kciuk M, Marciniak B, Kontek R

Irinotecan-Still an Important Player in Cancer Chemotherapy: A Comprehensive Overview.

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 12;21(14):4919. doi: 10.3390/ijms21144919.

PubMed ID
32664667 [ View in PubMed
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Abstract

Irinotecan has been used in the treatment of various malignancies for many years. Still, the knowledge regarding this drug is expanding. The pharmacogenetics of the drug is the crucial component of response to irinotecan. Furthermore, new formulations of the drug are introduced in order to better deliver the drug and avoid potentially life-threatening side effects. Here, we give a comprehensive overview on irinotecan's molecular mode of action, metabolism, pharmacogenetics, and toxicity. Moreover, this article features clinically used combinations of the drug with other anticancer agents and introduces novel formulations of drugs (e.g., liposomal formulations, dendrimers, and nanoparticles). It also outlines crucial mechanisms of tumor cells' resistance to the active metabolite, ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN-38). We are sure that the article will constitute an important source of information for both new researchers in the field of irinotecan chemotherapy and professionals or clinicians who are interested in the topic.

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