Its main use is in colon cancer, particularly in combination with other chemotherapy agents. This includes the regimen FOLFIRI which consists of infusional 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan.

Irinotecan is marketed by Pfizer as Camptosar. It is also known as CPT-11.

Side effects

Irinotecan is associated with severe diarrhea, sometimes leading to hospitalization for dehydration. This side effect is managed with the aggressive use of antidiarrheals such as loperamide or Lomotil with the first loose bowel movement.

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Camptosar
From OB/GYN News, 6/15/00 by Elizabeth Mechcatie

(irinotecan injection, Pharmacia)

A first-line chemotherapeutic agent for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV). Previously approved as second-line therapy.

* Recommended Dosage: Administered intravenously.

* Special Considerations: Side effects include nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, and possibly life threatening diarrhea.

* Comment: Approval was based on two studies of more than 800 patients, which found that tumor progression and survival were significantly improved among those treated with Camptosar in combination with 5-FU/LV, compared with those treated with 5-FU/LV alone. Median survival in the studies were 17.4 months and 14.8 months among those treated with a regimen that included Camptosar, compared with 14.1 months and 12.6 months among those treated with 5-FU/LV, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

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