Description
SN-38 is a camptothecin derivative. Camptothecin is a quinolone alkaloid precursor of irinotecan; it is originally found in Camptotheca. Camptothecin exhibits anticancer chemotherapeutic activity, inhibiting topoisomerase I and inducing double-stranded DNA breaks. Camptothecin is extremely cytotoxic and only its derivatives are clinically used as chemotherapeutics.