SN38-dextran

SN38-dextran is an experimental polymer-drug conjugate prodrug consisting of **SN-38** (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin), the potent active metabolite of irinotecan, covalently linked to a **dextran** polysaccharide backbone. This conjugate is designed to improve the solubility and delivery of SN-38, which is otherwise limited by poor aqueous solubility and systemic toxicity. In research settings, SN38-dextran has been utilized in cell-mediated delivery systems where tumor-homing cells, such as macrophages, are loaded with the prodrug and engineered to express an activating enzyme (e.g., rabbit carboxylesterase). Upon localized enzymatic cleavage, the active SN-38 is released, where it acts as a **topoisomerase I inhibitor**, inducing DNA double-strand breaks and subsequent apoptosis in cancer cells. This approach has shown promise in preclinical models of disseminated pancreatic cancer by extending survival and concentrating the cytotoxic effect at the tumor site.

Other names

SN38-dextran prodrugSN-38-dextran prodrugSN 38-dextran prodrugSN-38-dextranSN38-dextranSN 38-dextran