How Do Antineoplastic Podophyllotoxin Derivatives Work?

Antineoplastic podophyllotoxin derivatives are a class of drugs used to treat testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, and refractory childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (a type of cancer of the white blood cells).

Podophyllotoxin derivatives are cytotoxic; they are natural products prepared from a resin extracted from the dried roots and rhizomes of the North American plant podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) that exhibits antitumor activity. They work by inhibiting DNA synthesis by forming a complex with topoisomerase II (an enzyme that aids in DNA unwinding) and DNA that breaks double-stranded DNA and prevents repair by topoisomerase II binding. These breaks in DNA prevent entry into the mitotic phase of cell division, eventually leading to cell death.

Podophyllotoxin derivatives are administered via intravenous (into a vein) and oral routes.

Antineoplastic podophyllotoxin derivatives are used to treat conditions such as:

• Testicular cancer
• Small cell lung cancer
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow)

Some of the common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Tiredness/weakness
• Pain, redness, swelling, hardness, or itching at the injection site

Other rare side effects include:

• Dizziness 
• Hair loss
• Rash/hives/itching
• Fatigue 
• Chills, sore throat, fever, or cough
• Blurred vision
• Decreased urination
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• Peripheral neuropathy (damage to one or more groups of nerves)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Arrhythmia (a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm)

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of antineoplastic podophyllotoxin derivatives include:

• Etopophos
• Etoposide
• Teniposide
• Toposar
• VePesid
• Vm 26
• Vp 16
• Vumon