etoposide phosphate

Etoposide phosphate is a water-soluble prodrug of etoposide, a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin. It is used as an antineoplastic agent primarily for intravenous infusion. After administration, it is rapidly converted in vivo to the active compound, etoposide. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II, leading to DNA strand breaks and cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase, ultimately resulting in cancer cell death. Etoposide phosphate is indicated (in combination with cisplatin) for first-line treatment of small cell lung cancer and is also used for testicular cancer[1][2][3][4][5]. The drug was developed to improve solubility and reduce some adverse reactions associated with standard etoposide formulations.

Brand names

Etopophos