Fytosid

Etoposide 100 mg / 5 ml

Etoposide induces an irreversible blockade of cells in the premitotic phases of cell cycle leading to accumulation of cells in the late S or G2 phase. Although its precise mechanism of action is not clear, cytotoxic effect appears to result from single and double strand breaks in DNA and DNA protein cross-links. Etoposide exerts its cytotoxic effect by interfering with the scission-reunion reaction of the enzyme topoisomerase II. The enzyme then covalently binds to DNA forming single strand, protein associated breaks. Etoposide also inhibits the transport of nucleosides across the plasma membrane. Hence it exerts its cytotoxic effect by interfering with DNA synthesis and repair.

The dosage schedule of FYTOSID (Etoposide) used most commonly in combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agent, is 50-100 mg/m2/day on days 1-5 to be repeated every 3-4 weeks. Alternate day schedule of 100-125 mg/m2 on days 1,3 & 5 is also commonly employed.

Etoposide has demonstrated highly significant clinical activity against several human neoplasms including small cell lung cancer, testicular cancers and bladder cancer. Etoposide is also active in malignant lymphomas of both Hodgkins and non Hodgkins type and acute leukaemias. In addition, it is extremely active in gestational trophoblastic tumours and paediatric sarcomas especially Ewing's sarcoma when used in combination.

FYTOSID is available as 5 ml injection containing 100 mg of Etoposide.