[Topoisomerase I inhibitors. Review of phase II trials with irinotecan (CPT-11) and topotecan].

Topoisomerase I inhibitors are a new therapeutic class whose clinical evaluation began a few years ago; Irinotecan (CPT-11) gave interesting results in colon cancer; side effects were neutropenia, diarrhea, vomiting and a cholinergic syndrome. Topotecan was useful in lung and ovarian cancer; side effects were mostly hematologic. Undergoing studies concern dose optimization, mode of administration and therapeutic associations.