Camptothecin sodium is an alkaloid topoisomerase l (topo l) inhibitor with anticancer properties. Camptothecin sodium is isolated from either Camptotheca acuminata, a deciduous tree; or Nothapodytes foetida; a fungus.
| 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, bioavailability, and lactone stability. |
| Molecular Formula | C20H17N2NaO5 |
| References | Venditto, Vincent J. "Cancer Therapies Utilizing the Camptothecins: A Review of the in Vivo Literature." American Chemical Society (2010): 307-49. Web. |
