Next-generation anthracycline for the management of small cell lung cancer: focus on amrubicin

Review

(3041) Views  (663) Full article downloads

Authors: Michiko Yamamoto, Akira Takakura, Noriyuki Masuda

Published Date September 2008 Volume 2008:2 Pages 189 - 192

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S3972

Michiko Yamamoto, Akira Takakura, Noriyuki Masuda

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kitasato, Japan

Abstract: Amrubicin is a totally synthetic anthracycline anticancer agent that acts as a potent topoisomerase II inhibitor. Amrubicin has been approved in Japan for the treatment of lung cancer, and the results from clinical studies of amrubicin as a single agent or as part of combination regimens for lung cancer, particularly for small cell lung cancer, conducted in Japan and overseas have been promising. Amrubicin should be included among new treatment strategies especially for chemoresistant patients. Here, preclinical, pharmacological, and clinical data on the use of amrubicin for the treatment of small cell lung cancer are reviewed.

Keywords: amrubicin, anthracycline, small-cell lung cancer, extensive disease

Other articles by Dr Noriyuki Masuda