Actions and Spectrum:
irinotecan is an anticancer drug that is primarily used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It belongs to class of drugs called as topoisomerase inhibitors. irinotecan acts by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I, which is involved in cell DNA replication and repair processes. By inhibiting this enzyme, irinotecan disrupts the normal functioning of DNA and prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing.
The spectrum of activity of irinotecan is mainly focused on colorectal cancer. It is used in the therapy of advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. irinotecan may also be used with other chemotherapy drugs to treat other types of cancer, such as lung, pancreatic, and gastric cancers.Although, its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific cancer type and individual patient factors.
