DNA topoisomerase inhibitor as chemotherapeutic drug--clinical point of view]

CPT-11 is a semisynthesized derivative of camptothecin that has a potent antitumor activity by inhibiting DNA topoisomerase I. Leukopenia (mainly neutropenia) is DLF (dose limiting factor) and MTD (maximum tolerated dose) is higher than 250 mg/m2 in CPT-11 from the results of clinical phase I study. Now we are going on phase II study of CPT-11. We are seeing the cases responded to the drug in cancer of the lung, ovary, uterus, stomach, colorectum, pancreas, breast, malignant lymphoma etc.