etoposide

Etoposide is a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin used primarily as a chemotherapy agent. It is indicated for the treatment of various cancers including small cell lung cancer (SCLC), testicular cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and stomach cancer[1][2][7]. Etoposide acts by inhibiting DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2A), forming a ternary complex with DNA and the enzyme. This prevents re-ligation of double-stranded DNA breaks introduced by topoisomerase II during replication and transcription processes. The accumulation of these breaks leads to errors in DNA synthesis and ultimately triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells[5][7][8]. Etoposide is cell cycle-dependent and phase-specific—mainly affecting the S and G2 phases—and can be administered orally or intravenously.

Brand names

VepesidEtopophos

Other names

epipodophyllotoxinpodophyllotoxin derivative