irinotekaanmetabolian

Irinotecan is a chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. It is a topoisomerase I inhibitor, which means it works by interfering with the function of an enzyme called topoisomerase I, which is involved in DNA replication and repair. This interference leads to the formation of DNA breaks, which can be lethal to cancer cells.

Irinotecan is administered intravenously and is typically given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. The most common side effects of irinotecan include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), which can increase the risk of infection, and myelosuppression (low red and white blood cell counts), which can lead to anemia and infection.

Irinotecan is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme CYP3A4, which is also responsible for the metabolism of many other drugs. This can lead to drug interactions, where the metabolism of one drug is affected by the presence of another. For example, irinotecan can inhibit the metabolism of other drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4, leading to increased plasma concentrations and potentially increased toxicity.

The active metabolite of irinotecan, SN-38, is also metabolized by CYP3A4. This can lead to the formation of inactive metabolites, which can reduce the efficacy of irinotecan. Therefore, it is important to monitor the plasma concentrations of SN-38 in patients receiving irinotecan to ensure that the drug is effective.

In summary, irinotecan is a chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4, which can lead to drug interactions and reduced efficacy. The active metabolite of irinotecan, SN-38, is also metabolized by CYP3A4, which can lead to the formation of inactive metabolites. Therefore, it is important to monitor the plasma concentrations of SN-38 in patients receiving irinotecan to ensure that the drug is effective.