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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 04/20/2007
  • Updated: 10/28/2011

Irinotecan Hydrochloride

listen 1  (I-rih-noh-TEE-kan HY-droh-KLOR-ide)

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

US Brand Name(s): Camptosar
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Irinotecan hydrochloride is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

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

More About Irinotecan Hydrochloride

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

MedlinePlus Information on Irinotecan Hydrochloride 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: Irinotecan Not Effective in Adjuvant Therapy for Colon Cancer 4 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Irinotecan Hydrochloride 5 - 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.


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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.
colorectal cancer (KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser)
Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).
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.
metastasize (meh-TAS-tuh-size)
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
recurrent cancer (ree-KER-ent KAN-ser)
Cancer that has recurred (come back), usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrence.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/722885.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=41714
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608043.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/irinotecan0807
5http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=41714&idtype=1
6http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
7http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
8http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access