alvocidib + irinotecan

alvocidib + irinotecan is a combination therapy regimen consisting of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor alvocidib and the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan. Alvocidib, a semi-synthetic flavonoid, primarily targets CDK9, which leads to the depletion of short-lived survival proteins like MCL-1, thereby sensitizing cancer cells to apoptosis. Irinotecan is a camptothecin derivative that functions as a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent by stabilizing the complex between DNA and topoisomerase I, causing double-strand DNA breaks during replication. This combination was specifically investigated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in a Phase II clinical trial for patients with advanced p53 wild-type gastric adenocarcinoma and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma to determine if the synergistic effect of CDK inhibition and DNA damage could improve clinical outcomes compared to irinotecan monotherapy.

Brand names

Camptosar

Other names

flavopiridol + irinotecanalvocidib + irinotecan hydrochlorideflavopiridol + irinotecan hydrochloride