irinotecan hydrochloride liposome

A form of the anticancer drug irinotecan hydrochloride that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles. Irinotecan hydrochloride liposome is used together with fluorouracil and leucovorin to treat a certain type of pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has gotten worse after treatment with gemcitabine anticancer therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Irinotecan hydrochloride blocks certain enzymes needed for cell division and DNA repair, and it may kill cancer cells. Irinotecan hydrochloride liposome may have fewer side effects and work better than irinotecan hydrochloride. It is a type of topoisomerase inhibitor and a type of camptothecin analog. Also called liposome-encapsulated irinotecan hydrochloride PEP02, Onivyde, and PEP02.