Topotecan (Hycamtin)

General information

Class/mechanism: Topoisomerase I inhibitor. Topotecan binds to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevents the religation of single strand breaks that were originally created by topoisomerase I. This leads to double strand DNA damage, which results in cell damage and cell death.
Route: IV
Extravasation: irritant

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Bone cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Small cell lung cancer
• Uterine cancer

Patient drug information

• Topotecan (Hycamtin) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Topotecan (Hycamtin) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 5/28/1996: Initial FDA approval