Epidemiology

• Indications
  • Colon Cancer: either with or without 5-fluorouracil
  • Lung Cancer

Pharmacology

• Semi-synthetic camptothecin

Adverse Effects

• Interstitial Pneumonitis (see Interstitial Lung Disease-Etiology)
  • Epidemiology: 1.8% in early Japanese trials
    • In US trials: cough and dyspnea occurred in 20% of cases (although many of these cases had intrathoracic malignancy) -> however, incidence of srioud pulmonary toxicity iwas 0.4%
    • Risk Factors for Toxicity: radition therapy, pre-existing lung disease
  • Diagnosis
    • CXR/Chest CT: reticulonodular infiltrates
  • Clinical: dyspnea, fever
    • Respiratory failure may occur
  • Treatment: corticosteroids may be useful

References

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