How it Works

Etoposide is a chemotherapy medication that is used to treat a variety of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, which is necessary for the replication and growth of cancer cells.

Etoposide inhibits DNA synthesis by forming a complex with topoisomerase II and DNA. This complex induces damage to the DNA and prevents repair by topoisomerase II binding. Accumulated damage in DNA prevents cell division and leads to cell death.

---

How it’s Administered

Etoposide is given as an infusion into a vein (IV).

---

Who Should Take Etoposide

Etoposide is currently approved for:

• Multiple types of cancer such as multiple myeloma, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia and small cell lung cancer

---

Who Shouldn’t Take Etoposide

• Patients that are allergic to Etoposide
• Pregnant women 

---

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Etoposide Include 

• Sores or white patches in or around your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or talking
• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Altered sense of taste
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Temporary hair loss

---

Commonly Used in Multiple Myeloma With 

• Doxorubicin
• Cyclophosphamide
• Cisplatin
• Dexamethasone
• Thalidomide

---

Currently Being Tested in Multiple Myeloma With

• Steroids: Dexamethasone
• Chemotherapy drugs: Cytarabine, Carmustine, Cisplatin, Adriamycin,  Cyclophosphamide, Melphalan
• Immunomodulators agents: Thalidomide
• Proteasome inhibitors: Bortezomib, Carfilzomib
• Monoclonal antibody: Daratumumab

---

Commonly Used in AML With 

• Mitoxantrone
• Cytarabine alone
• Cytarabine & Daunorubicin

Currently Being Tested in AML With

• Steroids: Dexamethasone
• Chemotherapy drugs: Cytarabine, Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, Mitoxantrone,
• FLT3 Inhibitors: Quizartinib, Sorafenib
• Protein kinase inhibitors: Axitinib, Crizotinib, Dasatinib, Erlotinib, Imatinib, Pazopanib, Ruxolitinib, Vandetanib, Vemurafenib
• Monoclonal antibody: Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin, Tocilizumab
• BCL-2 inhibitors: Venetoclax
• Antibiotics with antineoplastic activity: Daunorubicin, Idarubicin, Doxorubicin

Learn more about your treatments in Cure Hub