Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

ETOPOSIDE - Usual

Etoposide is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that works by interfering with the enzyme topoisomerase II, which is involved in DNA replication and cell division.

Etoposide is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that works by interfering with the enzyme topoisomerase II, which is involved in DNA replication and cell division. Used for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Small cell lung cancer, Testicular cancer.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

By inhibiting topoisomerase II, etoposide causes DNA damage and triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. This leads to cell death and ultimately, tumor shrinkage. Etoposide is most effective against cancers with high rates of cell division, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Approved indications

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Small cell lung cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Common side effects

• Myelosuppression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Infection

Key clinical trials

• Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Lenalidomide, to the Usual Combination Chemotherapy Treatment ("EPOCH") for Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (ATLL) (PHASE1)
• Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, M3814, to the Usual Treatment (Mitoxantrone, Etoposide, and Cytarabine) for Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (PHASE1)
• Testing the Addition of a New Anti-cancer Drug, Venetoclax, to Usual Chemotherapy for High Grade B-cell Lymphomas (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Testing the Addition of a New Immunotherapy Drug, Atezolizumab (MPDL3280A), to the Usual Chemoradiation (CRT) Therapy Treatment for Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (LS-SCLC) (PHASE3)
• Testing the Addition of Duvelisib or CC-486 to the Usual Treatment for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• Surufatinib Combined With Chemo Versus Surufatinib in the Treatment of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PHASE2)
• Testing the Addition of High Dose, Targeted Radiation to the Usual Treatment for Locally-Advanced Inoperable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE3)
• Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Entinostat, to the Usual Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Treatment (Atezolizumab, Carboplatin and Etoposide) for Previously Untreated Aggressive Lung Cancer That Has Spread (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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