carboplatin + irinotecan

Carboplatin + irinotecan is a combination chemotherapy regimen primarily used for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), including both limited and extensive-stage disease. Irinotecan is a semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin and acts as a DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor. It is converted in the body to its active metabolite SN-38, which binds to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevents re-ligation of single-strand breaks during DNA replication, resulting in double-stranded DNA breaks and apoptosis of cancer cells[1][2][3][4][6]. Carboplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that forms DNA crosslinks, inhibiting DNA synthesis and function. The combination exploits different mechanisms to enhance cytotoxicity against rapidly dividing tumor cells[1]. This regimen has been studied in various dosing schedules for SCLC and may also be considered for other solid tumors.

Other names

irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate