What does topotecan do in the body?
Topotecan is a type of chemotherapy drug called a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor. It works by blocking a chemical called topoisomerase 1. This chemical helps to separate and repair the DNA in cells when they divide. Cancer cells need to make and repair DNA in order to grow and multiply.
How long does it take for topotecan to work?
This 3-day or 5-day treatment is given again every 21 days until your body responds to the medicine. Each treatment usually takes at least 30 minutes. Topotecan often causes nausea and vomiting. It is very important that you continue to receive the medicine even if it makes you feel ill.Nov 1, 2022
Do you lose your hair with topotecan?
Some effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some unwanted effects may occur after treatment with topotecan has stopped. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.Nov 1, 2022
What cancer does topotecan treat?
Topotecan injection is used to treat patients with metastatic cancer (a cancer that has already spread) of the ovaries after other treatments have failed. This medicine is also used to treat a certain type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer.Nov 1, 2022
How successful is topotecan?
The response rate observed with topotecan is between 6% and 11.8% in refractory patients and between 15% and 37% in sensitive patients. Median survival time is between 3.6 and 5.4 months in refractory patients and 5 and 8 months in sensitive patients.Dec 1, 2008
What is the overall survival of topotecan?
Overall survival was significantly longer in the topotecan group (Fig 1; log-rank P = . 01). The median survival times were 13.9 weeks (95% CI, 11.1 to 18.6) in the BSC arm and 25.9 weeks (95% CI, 18.3 to 31.6) in the topotecan arm.Sep 21, 2016
What is the response rate of topotecan?
Topotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor widely available as an intravenous (IV) formulation for the treatment of patients with sensitive SCLC after failure of first-line therapy. Three phase II studies of single-agent IV topotecan have shown response rates of 14% to 38% among sensitive patients.Sep 21, 2016
How does topotecan cause cell death?
TPT induces topo I-dependent cleavable complex formation in tumor cells that are converted to both single- and double-strand breaks, leading to tumor cell death.Oct 24, 2017
What is the mechanism of action of topotecan?
Mechanism of action
Topotecan is a derivative of camptothecin and a topoisomerase inhibitor. Topotecan prevents topoisomerase from religating cleaved DNA strand and subsequently DNA damage occurs. Inactivation of topoisomerase results in apoptosis and cell death.
What are the side effects of topotecan chemotherapy?
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, tiredness, or mouth sores may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects.