Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 08/12/2008
  • Updated: 10/25/2011

Etoposide

listen 1  (ee-toh-POH-side)

This page contains brief information about etoposide and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Toposar
VePesid
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Etoposide is approved to be used with other drugs to treat:

Etoposide is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Etoposide

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Etoposide 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Less-Intense Chemotherapy Effective in Children with Intermediate-Risk Neuroblastoma 4 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Less-Intense Chemotherapy Benefits Some Children With B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 5 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Etoposide 6 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


Back to TopBack to Top



Glossary Terms

cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
radiation therapy (RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee)
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiotherapy.
small cell lung cancer (... sel lung KAN-ser)
An aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms in tissues of the lung and can spread to other parts of the body. The cancer cells look small and oval-shaped when looked at under a microscope.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
testicular cancer (tes-TIH-kyuh-ler KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of one or both testicles. Testicular cancer is most common in young or middle-aged men. Most testicular cancers begin in germ cells (cells that make sperm) and are called testicular germ cell tumors.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/705132.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=39207
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a684055.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/less-intense0607
5http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/pediatricNHL0407
6http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=39207&idtype=1
7http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
9http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
10http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access