Etolon

Etolon is a chemotherapy drug that is prescribed mainly to treat small cell lung cancer and testicular cancer. Etoposide, the active ingredient in Etolon is derived from the mandrake root. Etolon inhibits the action of topoisomerase II, an enzyme involved with DNA replication. Without the activity of this enzyme, DNA cannot reproduce so the cell is unable to divide and it dies.

Chemotherapy drugs that can affect cells only when they are dividing are called cell-cycle specific meaning they are most effective during the cells’ various phases of division. Etolon is a cell-specific drug, which means that it attacks cancer cells during different phases of division.

Small cell lung cancer is more likely to cause a paraneoplastic syndrome than any other lung tumors. This syndrome is a group of symptoms that occurs when substances are released by cancer cells that disturb the normal function of other organs and tissues. Treatment for small cell lung cancer may involve radiation or chemotherapy as well as taking Etolon.

Your doctor may also prescribe Etolon if you have testicular cancer and have already been through surgery, radiation therapy, or other chemo treatments but have shown no improvement. Sometimes chemotherapy drugs are given in combination which helps attack the cancer cells at different stages of development. More than 90% of all testicular cancers are called germ cell tumors which are cells in your testicles that make sperm.

There are two main kinds of germ cell tumors, seminomas and non-seminomas. Only 40 to 45% of testicular cancers are pure seminomas while the remaining are mixtures of other tumor types. Early detection is of key importance, so talk to your family doctor about what to look for and make annual physical exams.

Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have so your doctor or oncologist can decide if Etolon is the best drug for your treatment. Certain medications may interact with Etolon and cause a change in the efficacy or produce unwanted side effects so list all Rx drugs, OTC meds, and any homeopathic remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

You should not operate a vehicle or machinery until you are sure how Etolon will affect your body. It is not recommended to take Etolon if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding as it could be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby.

Possible Side Effects of Etolon: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, temporary hair loss, fatigue.