Camptothecan

Camptothecan: Synthetic antitumor drug to fight cancer

Camptothecan, also known by its international name irinotecan, is a synthetic antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. It belongs to the pharmaceutical group of synthetic antitumor drugs of different groups.

Camptothecan is produced by several pharmaceutical companies in Argentina, including Laboratory Tutor S.A.S.I.F.I.A., Laboratory Hemepe and Teva Pharmaceutical Enterprises/Laboratory Hemepe/Laboratory Tutor. This substance also has synonyms - iritene and Campto.

The dosage form of Camptotecan is a concentrate for the preparation of an infusion solution containing 20 mg/ml irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate. The drug is used under the supervision of a doctor experienced in working with anticancer drugs, and is usually prescribed in specialized chemotherapy departments.

Camptothecan is indicated for the treatment of colorectal cancer in combination with 5-fluorouracil and calcium folinate in patients who have not previously received chemotherapy, as well as as monotherapy in patients with disease progression after conventional treatment. However, some patients may have contraindications to the use of Camptotecan. This includes hypersensitivity to irinotecan or other components of the drug, ulcerative colitis and/or intestinal obstruction, severe suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis, high levels of bilirubin in the blood, the general condition of patients assessed on the WHO scale greater than 2, pregnancy and lactation.

When using Camptotecan, side effects may occur that vary in severity. These may include neutropenia, fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, mucositis, constipation, involuntary muscle twitching or cramps, paresthesia, asthenia, allergic reactions, dehydration, renal failure, arterial hypotension, insufficiency blood circulation and local reactions at the injection site.

Camptothecan is a powerful antitumor agent that acts on cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and growing. It affects the enzyme topoisomerase I, which is involved in DNA replication. Camptothecan binds to this enzyme and prevents its normal functioning, leading to the accumulation of single-strand breaks in DNA and ultimately the death of cancer cells.

The use of Camptotecan in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer can significantly improve the prognosis and survival of patients. However, the decision to use this drug should be made by a doctor on an individual case basis and take into account indications, contraindications and side effects.

It is important to note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available at the time of my training in September 2021. Medical practices and available drugs may change over time. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a medical professional or consult relevant sources of information to obtain detailed and up-to-date information about Camptotecan and its use in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer.