Question

Etoposide, an inhibitor of topoisomerase II, is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat cancer. Why is this molecule more likely to kill cancer cells than normal cells? Hypothesize as to why treatment might cause other forms of cancer as a potential side effect later in life.

Answer 1

Etoposide is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. This medication is classified as a "plant alkaloid" and "topoisomerase II inhibitor." Chemotherapy drugs exert their effects by interfering with the cell cycle and the process of mitosis. Their therapeutic use stems from their ability to cause a greater proportion of cell kill in cancer cells as opposed to normal cells.Targeted cancer therapies use drugs that specially reach at the affected site block the growth and spread of cancer. They interfere with specific molecules involved in carcinogenesis (the process by which normal cells become cancer cells) and tumor growth.