This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Topotecan (Hycamptin) which is a chemotherapy drug primarily used to treat ovarian cancer, but also small cell lung cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia
It is a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, which works by blocking the topoisomerase 1 enzyme, which helps to separate and repair the DNA in cells when they divide. Blocking the action of this enzyme damages the DNA and so the cells cannot continue to grow.
Topotecan is administered through a drip intravenously.
Side effects can include: fatigue, greater risk of infections, anaemia, bruising and bleeding, nausea and vomiting, temporary hair loss or thinning, diarrhoea or constipation, mouth ulcers.
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list