Camptothecin - “tree of life”. Action, side effects and effectiveness of therapy

Malignant tumors rank first in the list of diseases most often leading to premature death in all age groups. The number of diagnosed oncological diseases is increasing every year, but so far not a single effective drug has been found that would make it possible to fight all types of cancer.

Natural plant substances that were previously only used in herbal medicine have proven to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. Currently, in traditional medicine, preparations based on natural substances are increasingly used, which not only contribute to the treatment of various diseases. In the case of camptothecin and its derivatives - topotecan, irinoitecan - we are dealing with a quinoline alkaloid with strong antitumor properties.. It causes the death of a cancer cell, leading to damage to its DNA.

It is worth learning more about drugs used in the treatment of cancer, which contain natural plant substances or their semi-synthetic counterparts.

Cancer: how to become a cancer?

Cancer treatment is difficult due to the mechanism of tumor formation. Benign tumors and malignant tumors (cancer) are caused by mutations in the human genetic code. The change in DNA can be random or be directly related to the impact of various mutagenic factors on the human body. The exact causes of cancer are unknown, but thanks to many scientific studies, it has been proven that changes in DNA that lead to abnormal cell division can be associated, in particular, with:

• genetic factors belonging to the group of non-modifiable factors;

• environmental factors;

• used diet and lifestyle.

Doctors agree that one of the most common causes of cancer is prolonged smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and the use of an improperly formulated diet. Other factors that can lead to mutations in DNA are, for example, chemicals that affect the body, which are present, in particular, in fertilizers and plant protection products, as well as ionizing radiation. Some chemical food additives and substances present in cosmetics may also have a potentially carcinogenic effect.

Although the negative effects of many carcinogens on the body cannot be avoided, we can eliminate the most common causes of cancer, i.e. stop smoking and drinking alcohol. These addictions and an improperly formulated diet greatly increase the risk of developing the most commonly diagnosed malignant neoplasms, i.e. lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer. These tumors are more commonly diagnosed in men. In women, the dominant cancers that lead to premature death are breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. for lung cancer.

Cancer cells are very different from healthy cells in the body. As a result of mutations, they acquire traits that make them capable of uncontrolled division. The formation of tumor cells occurs continuously. The rapid, uncontrolled division of cancer cells, as well as the prevention of cell death and the ability to form metastases, means that the immune system cannot effectively fight cancer cells.

Each type of cancer is slightly different, so the treatment of individual malignant neoplasms and benign tumors, often with a tendency to malignancy, requires an individual approach to each patient.

Cancer is a serious problem in developed countries, being a common cause of death, so it is classified as a disease of civilization.

Cancer treatments

Cancer treatment involves the use of several methods, which are chosen in terms of, among other things, the type of cancer. Traditionally used methods of cancer treatment, ie. malignant tumors are:

• surgical treatment - thanks to the operation, it is possible to remove a cancerous tumor along with a supply of healthy tissue; surgery is also a method of treating benign tumors;

• chemotherapy is a pharmacological method for the treatment of malignant tumors, including the use of cytostatic drugs that affect the vital activity of cells;

• Radiation therapy - allows you to destroy cancer cells with the help of ionizing radiation.

Other cancer treatments include immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and molecular targeted therapy.

Cancer therapy also uses natural and semi-synthetic substances, including vincristine (vinca alkaloids), vinblastine, paclitaxel, and camptothecin and podophyllotoxin derivatives. Plant substances act on certain “targets”. As we can read in scientific studies - camptothecin and its derivatives have a toxic effect on topoisomerase I (an enzyme involved in replication, responsible for reducing DNA twisting).

Camptothecin binds to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevents the restoration of links between DNA breaks, causing cancer cell death. Currently, natural camptothecin has been withdrawn from clinical trials. However, semi-synthetic derivatives of this quinoline alkaloid, topotecan and irinotecan, have been approved for use in anticancer therapy, which act in the same way on topoisomerase I, but do not cause as many side effects.

Cancer treatment with camptothecin derivatives

Camptothecin derivatives are currently used to treat small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. Pilot studies are also underway on the use of topotecan in the treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma, as well as gliomas and neurinomas. Although camptothecin derivatives effectively destroy cancer cells, preventing their uncontrolled division and initiating the process of death, their use is associated with a high risk of side effects.

Side effects of camptothecin derivatives

Topotecan may cause side effects. They are divided into 4 groups according to the frequency of occurrence when taking anticancer drugs. The most common topotecan side effects include:

• febrile neutropenia,

• hematological diseases (for example, anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia),

• inflammation of the mucous membranes,

• complaints from the digestive system (for example, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting),

• general weakness,

• occurrence of chronic fatigue.

Other side effects specific to topotecan include: sepsis, pruritus, and general malaise. Rare side effects of therapy include, for example, anaphylactic shock.

Due to the numerous side effects when using camptothecin derivatives, it is necessary to remain under the supervision of a physician, as well as to perform frequent physical exercises, for example. blood tests. An increase in side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately, as, for example, symptoms from the digestive system may indicate colitis. In addition, camptothecin derivatives should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Particular caution should be observed when using semi-synthetic derivatives of camptothecin in patients with a diagnosis of liver and kidney disease.

It is important to note that taking topotecan impairs the ability to drive and use machines. The drug should be used in doses prescribed by the doctor, since its overdose is associated with a high risk of deterioration in well-being.