Irinotecan Hydrochloride
Irinotecan hydrochloride is a type of chemotherapy drug called a topoisomerase I inhibitor. It causes breaks that cannot be repaired in the DNA of cells. This stops the growth of cancer cells and other rapidly dividing cells and causes them to die.
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Irinotecan hydrochloride is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:
- Colorectal cancer that has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body), including metastatic cancer that has recurred (come back) or has not gotten better with other chemotherapy.
Irinotecan hydrochloride is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
Irinotecan hydrochloride is also available in a different form called irinotecan sucrosofate. For more information, see the Drug Information Summary for Irinotecan Sucrosofate.
More About Irinotecan Hydrochloride
Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
MedlinePlus Information on Irinotecan Hydrochloride - 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.
Clinical Trials Accepting Patients
Find Clinical Trials for Irinotecan Hydrochloride - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.