Etoposide
Etoposide is used in the treatment of small cell and other lung cancers, gastric cancer, germ cell tumors and LymphomaA cancer arising in the lymphatic system. The white blood cells affected are part of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels that carry fluid and cells of the immune system around the body. Lymph nodes are regional collection centers in the lymphatic system. See also, 'lymphatic system'.. Etoposide may be administered intravenously or in pill form.1
Etoposide is a plant alkaloid, which looks to alter negative activity in the late S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. Specifically, Etoposide is instrumental in the inhibition of topoisomeraseAn enzyme that cuts double stranded DNA to reduce tension created during local unwinding of the helix. Unwinding of DNA is required for transcription, translation and replication. Chemotherapy drugs such as topotecan and etoposide (VP-16) inhibit topoisomerases. II, as it works to prevent the unwinding of harmful DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. .1
The diagram below shows the 3D molecular structure of Etoposide.
Common side effects include alopecia (hair loss), decreased white blood cell count, nausea. Birth defects are possible; women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should not take this drug. Patients may also experience an increased tendency to bleed and should avoid taking aspirin, as this 'thins' the blood increasing the chance of bleeding. Etopside may have a negative affects on the the immune system. Because of this, patients should not receive immunizations while being treated. 1
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