History of Hycamtin
Hycamtin was the first of an entirely new class of drugs for use in the battle against ovarian cancer. While several anticancer drugs act by inhibiting the related enzyme topoisomerase II, Hycamtin is the first agent to act against topoisomerase I. Hycamtin kills cancer cells by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I, which is essential in the replication of DNA in human cells.
That’s the simplified story of Hycamtin. The complete story of the development of Hycamtin began in 1958 and is rich with scientific persistence, breakthroughs, and even a bit of mystery from the Far East.
1958
Two researchers studying steroids are working with the bark of the Chinese camptotheca tree and discover that extracts from the bark exhibit antitumor activity.
1966
With the support of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), two researchers isolate the active ingredient from the bark and call it camptothecin.
1970s
A soluble salt of camptothecin is put into trials, but the drug proves too toxic for clinical use.
1980s
Researchers isolate less-toxic derivatives of camptothecin and discover the new drug’s ability to damage DNA and RNA, which eventually leads to tumor cell death. Scientists at SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline), working with Johns Hopkins University researchers, identify the ability of camptothecin to inhibit topoisomerase I, an enzyme found in high levels in tumor cells.
1990
A camptothecin derivative called topotecan is synthesized by SmithKline Beecham. In a series of clinical trials supported jointly by SmithKline Beecham and the NCI, the compound showed activity against a variety of solid tumors including ovarian and small cell lung cancer.
1996
The FDA approves the branded drug Hycamtin (topotecan HCl) as a treatment for advanced ovarian cancers that have recurred or progressed with other chemotherapy drugs.
1996
Hycamtin receives final marketing authorization in the 15 European Union member states for the treatment of patients with metastatic cancer of the ovary after failure of first-line or subsequent therapy.
1998
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the approval of SmithKline Beecham’s Hycamtin for the second-line treatment of sensitive small cell lung cancer.
2006
The FDA recommends the approval of Hycamtin plus cisplatin for the second-line treatment of cervical cancer.
Today
GlaxoSmithKline is fully committed to the future of this established cancer therapy. Hycamtin continues to be researched in labs and clinical studies in hopes of learning more about the links between DNA replication, cell multiplication, and their effects on cancerous tumors.
Remember, no one source can answer all your questions or replace the information provided by your doctors and nurses. This Web site is not intended to replace ongoing communication between you and your health care team.
Important Safety Information
Use of Hycamtin
Hycamtin is used for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
Hycamtin is used for the treatment of small cell lung cancer that returns at least 2 months after completion of your first treatment.
Hycamtin plus cisplatin is used for the treatment of cervical cancer, if it is widespread when first diagnosed, doesn’t go away with your first series of treatments, or comes back in a form that can’t be cured with surgery or radiation.
Reasons Not to Use Hycamtin
Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to Hycamtin, if you are pregnant, if you are breast-feeding, or if you have low blood counts.
Side Effects
Hycamtin can interfere with your body’s ability to make white and red blood cells. Your doctor may prescribe a supportive therapy to help your body make more blood cells.
Side effects often associated with Hycamtin when used alone included nausea (64%), vomiting (45%), diarrhea (32%), hair loss (49%), fatigue (29%), and shortness of breath (22%). Most of these side effects were mild to moderate.
Side effects often associated with Hycamtin plus cisplatin when used to treat cervical cancer included low blood counts, pain (22%), vomiting (15%), nausea (14%), other digestive problems (14%), abnormal laboratory tests that may or may not cause symptoms (14%), and bladder/pelvic problems (12%).
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