Etoposide

Structure and properties

Etoposide (C₂₉H₃₂O₁₃, M_r = 588.6 g/mol) is a derivative of podophyllotoxin. It exists as a white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. The substance is weakly hygroscopic.

Effects

Etoposide (ATC L01CB01) is cytostatic. It inhibits topoisomerase II and blocks the cell cycle at stage G2.

Indications

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Hodgkin’s disease
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Small cell lung carcinoma
• Germ cell tumors
• Other malignancies