RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 High Efficacy of Intravenous Gimatecan on Human Tumor Xenografts JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 5783 OP 5790 DO 10.21873/anticanres.12917 VO 38 IS 10 A1 MICHELANDREA DE CESARE YR 2018 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/38/10/5783.abstract AB Background/Aim: The lipophilic, orally bioavailable camptothecin analogue gimatecan is characterized by improved efficacy over conventional camptothecins on human tumor xenografts. Gimatecan produced excellent outcomes orally with prolonged, low-dose, daily treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the antitumor efficacy of i.v. administered gimatecan. Materials and Methods: The antitumor activity of gimatecan delivered i.v. q4dx4 was evaluated in nude mice bearing human tumors and compared to clinically available anticancer drugs. Results: Intravenous administration of gimatecan showed superior efficacy with remarkable achievements at well tolerated doses. Moreover, prolonged treatments with i.v. administered gimatecan showed efficacy in models of cancer refractory to current therapeutic approaches, like an orthotopic brain tumor. Conclusion: Although the oral route is practical for gimatecan administration, the results support the interest in developing a suitable i.v. formulation in an attempt to further exploit the therapeutic potential of the compound.