Camptothecin Sodium is an alkaloid topoisomerase l (topo l) inhibitor with anticancer properties. Camptothecin Sodium is isolated from either the deciduous tree Camptotheca acuminata or the fungus Nothapodytes foetida.
| Mechanism of Action | Camptothecin Sodium inhibits DNA religation in the cleavage/religation step by binding to DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) and DNA which forms a DNA topoisomerase I - camptothecin - DNA complex. This complex causes DNA damage and leads to apoptosis. |
| Cancer Applications | Camptothecin has poor water solubility and several Camptothecin analogs and derivatives have been synthesized in an attempt to improve water solubility and lactone stability. |
| Molecular Formula | C20H17N2NaO5 |
| References | Venditto VJ (2010) Cancer therapies utilizing the Camptothecins: A review of the in vivo literature. American Chemical Society:307-349 |
