Sketchy Pharm: Etoposide, Teniposide, Topotecan, Irinotecan

Question 1

Etoposide inhibits which enzyme?

Answer 1

Topoisomerase II

Think of Rapunzel going down the SIDE of the tower on supercoiled hair in TWO strands.

Question 2

Etoposide is ________ phase specific.

Answer 2

S (like the Stairs out at the bottom of the tower)

Note: some cells that make it past S phase can also get halted in G2 phase because cells undergo DNA repair in G2 phase –which can also be inhibited by etoposide.

Question 3

The main side effects of etoposide are ________________.

Answer 3

myelosuppression (like the spilled open bone case); immunosuppression (old woman); and alopecia (fallen strands of hair)

Question 4

Which drugs are topoisomerase I inhibitors?

Answer 4

• Topotecan
• Irinotecan

(Think of the TOuCAN sent by the prince who has ONE ponytail.)

Question 5

What are the side effects of the -tecans?

Answer 5

• Diarrhea (bird droppings on prince’s hand)

* Myelosuppression (he’s also next to the suitcase)