Irofulven: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:40, 13 February 2025

Irofulven[edit]

Chemical structure of Irofulven

Irofulven is a chemotherapy agent derived from the natural product illudin S, which is found in the Jack O'Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens). It is a member of the acyclic sesquiterpene family and has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of various cancers.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Irofulven exerts its antitumor effects by inducing DNA damage in cancer cells. It forms covalent bonds with DNA, leading to DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. Unlike many other alkylating agents, irofulven requires metabolic activation by NADPH-dependent aldo-keto reductases to become active. This unique mechanism allows it to target tumor cells selectively, as these cells often have higher levels of these enzymes.

Clinical Development[edit]

Irofulven has been evaluated in several clinical trials for its efficacy against different types of cancer, including prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Although it showed promise in early-phase trials, its development has been challenging due to its toxicity profile and the emergence of more effective treatments.

Side Effects[edit]

The administration of irofulven can lead to several side effects, which are common with many chemotherapy agents. These include:

Due to these side effects, careful monitoring of patients is necessary during treatment.

Future Directions[edit]

Research is ongoing to improve the therapeutic index of irofulven. Strategies include the development of prodrugs and combination therapy with other agents to enhance its efficacy and reduce toxicity. Additionally, identifying biomarkers that predict response to irofulven could help tailor treatments to patients most likely to benefit.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Irofulven''' (also known as '''6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene''') is a [[semisynthetic]] derivative of [[illudin S]], a natural product from the [[Jack O'Lantern mushroom]] (''Omphalotus illudens''). It is an [[alkylating agent]] used in [[cancer]] treatment.
+== Irofulven ==
-== History ==
+[[File:Irofulven.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Irofulven]]
-Irofulven was developed by the pharmaceutical company [[MGI Pharma]], which was later acquired by [[Eisai]]. The drug was derived from a natural product, illudin S, which is found in the Jack O'Lantern mushroom.
+'''Irofulven''' is a [[chemotherapy]] agent derived from the natural product [[illudin S]], which is found in the [[Jack O'Lantern mushroom]] (''Omphalotus illudens''). It is a member of the [[acyclic sesquiterpene]] family and has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of various [[cancer]]s.
-== Mechanism of action ==
+== Mechanism of Action ==
-Irofulven induces [[apoptosis]] in cancer cells by causing [[DNA damage]]. It forms covalent adducts with DNA, which leads to the formation of DNA double-strand breaks. This triggers the [[cell cycle checkpoint]] machinery and leads to cell death.
+Irofulven exerts its [[antitumor]] effects by inducing [[DNA damage]] in [[cancer cells]]. It forms covalent bonds with [[DNA]], leading to [[DNA strand breaks]] and [[apoptosis]]. Unlike many other [[alkylating agents]], irofulven requires [[metabolic activation]] by [[NADPH]]-dependent [[aldo-keto reductases]] to become active. This unique mechanism allows it to target [[tumor cells]] selectively, as these cells often have higher levels of these enzymes.
-== Clinical trials ==
+== Clinical Development ==
-Irofulven has been tested in several [[clinical trial]]s for various types of cancer, including [[prostate cancer]], [[ovarian cancer]], and [[pancreatic cancer]]. However, it has not yet been approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) for any indication.
+Irofulven has been evaluated in several [[clinical trials]] for its efficacy against different types of cancer, including [[prostate cancer]], [[ovarian cancer]], and [[pancreatic cancer]]. Although it showed promise in early-phase trials, its development has been challenging due to its [[toxicity]] profile and the emergence of more effective treatments.
-== Side effects ==
+== Side Effects ==
-The most common side effects of irofulven are [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[fatigue]], and [[anemia]]. Other side effects can include [[neutropenia]], [[thrombocytopenia]], and [[alopecia]].
+The administration of irofulven can lead to several side effects, which are common with many chemotherapy agents. These include:
-== See also ==
+* [[Myelosuppression]]
+* [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]]
+* [[Fatigue]]
+* [[Liver enzyme]] elevation
-* [[List of investigational antineoplastic drugs]]
+Due to these side effects, careful monitoring of patients is necessary during treatment.
-* [[Alkylating antineoplastic agent]]
-== References ==
+== Future Directions ==
-<references />
+Research is ongoing to improve the therapeutic index of irofulven. Strategies include the development of [[prodrugs]] and [[combination therapy]] with other agents to enhance its efficacy and reduce toxicity. Additionally, identifying biomarkers that predict response to irofulven could help tailor treatments to patients most likely to benefit.
-[[Category:Experimental cancer drugs]]
+== Related Pages ==
-[[Category:Alkylating antineoplastic agents]]
-[[Category:Semisynthetic derivatives]]
-{{stub}}
+* [[Chemotherapy]]
-{{dictionary-stub1}}
+* [[DNA damage]]
+* [[Cancer treatment]]
+* [[Alkylating agents]]
+[[Category:Chemotherapy agents]]
+[[Category:Antineoplastic drugs]]