leucovorin + irinotecan

**leucovorin + irinotecan** is a combination chemotherapy regimen used primarily for metastatic colorectal cancer. Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a pharmacological agent that enhances the efficacy of fluoropyrimidines such as fluorouracil, but when used with irinotecan, it helps support folate metabolism and cytotoxicity. Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that prevents DNA unwinding, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and promoting apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. This drug combination may be used alone or, more commonly, as part of regimens that include fluorouracil (see FOLFIRI), but can also be given without it in specific scenarios. Its main indication is for the initial and subsequent treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, with proven improvements in response rates and overall survival compared to other regimens[1][4][6][7].