Structure of Etoposide
Etoposide is a podophyllotoxin derivative featuring a dioxolane ring and a dihydropyran ring linked to a benzene ring.
Chemical Formula: C₂₀H₁₄O₆
Mode of Action
Topoisomerase II Inhibition: Prevents DNA strand re-ligation, causing DNA breaks.
DNA Damage: Leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells.
Apoptosis Induction: Triggers programmed cell death in cancerous cells.
Uses
Testicular Cancer: Particularly effective in combination with other agents.
Lung Cancer: Small cell and non-small cell types.
Lymphomas: Including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Leukemias: Acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia.
Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas: As part of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens.