PubMed · 15028252
Camptothecin: current perspectives.
Abstract
This review provides a detailed discussion of recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of camptothecin, a potent antitumor antibiotic. Two camptothecin analogues are presently approved for use in the clinic as antitumor agents and several others are in clinical trials. Camptothecin possesses a novel mechanism of action involving the inhibition of DNA relaxation by DNA topoisomerase I, and more specifically the stabilization of a covalent binary complex formed between topoisomerase I and DNA. This review summarizes the current status of studies of the mechanism of action of camptothecin, including topoisomerase I inhibition and additional cellular responses. Modern synthetic approaches to camptothecin and several of the semi-synthetic methods are also discussed. Finally, a systematic evaluation of novel and important analogues of camptothecin and their contribution to the current structure-activity profile are considered.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Craig J Thomas, Nicolas J Rahier, Sidney M Hecht. 2004-04-01. Camptothecin: current perspectives.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2003.11.036
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.