Topotecan Disease Interactions

Because of their cytotoxic effects on rapidly proliferating tissues, antineoplastic agents frequently can, to varying extent, induce myelosuppression. The use of these drugs may be contraindicated in patients with known infectious diseases. All patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting infection such as fever, sore throat, or local infection during antineoplastic therapy. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Topotecan induces myelosuppression. Severe thrombocytopenia (< 25,000/mm3) has been reported during topotecan therapy. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bleeding such as petechiae, purpura, hematuria, or melena. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended. Therapy with topotecan should not be initiated in patients with platelet counts < 100,000/mm3. Subsequent courses of topotecan should be withheld until platelet counts exceed 100,000/mm3.

Topotecan induces myelosuppression. Severe neutropenia (< 500/mm3), severe thrombocytopenia (< 25,000/mm3), and severe anemia (< 8 g/dl) have been reported frequently. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended. Therapy with topotecan should not be initiated in patients with neutrophil counts < 1500/mm3 and/or platelet counts < 100,000/mm3. Subsequent courses of topotecan should be withheld until neutrophil counts exceed 1000/mm3, platelet counts exceed 100,000/mm3, and/or hemoglobin levels are at least 9 g/dl.

Topotecan is partially eliminated by the kidney. Approximately 30% of topotecan is excreted in the urine. Plasma clearance of topotecan was reduced 33% in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 40 to 60 mL/min) and 66% in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 20 to 40 mL/min). Therapy with topotecan should be administered cautiously and at a reduced dosage in patients with moderate to severe renal dysfunction.

Topotecan capsules can cause severe and life-threatening diarrhea that may require hospitalization. It is recommended to withhold treatment for severe diarrhea. Manage diarrhea caused by topotecan aggressively and do no administer topotecan capsules to patients with Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea. Reduce the dose of therapy after recovery to Grade 1 or less. Close monitoring is recommended.

Fatal cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD) have occurred with the use of topotecan. Risk factors include a history of ILD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, thoracic radiation, and use of pneumotoxic drugs and/or colony stimulating factors. It is recommended to monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD and permanently discontinue treatment for confirmed ILD.