Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.
Topotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor, a camptothecin like irinotecan: it traps the enzyme that relieves tension in DNA as it is copied, so breaks build up and cancer cells die. It is used for small cell lung cancer that has come back, for ovarian cancer and, with cisplatin, cervical cancer. Low blood counts are its main side effect. It is sold as Hycamtin.
Topotecan is not activated by UGT1A1, unlike irinotecan, and is cleared largely by the kidneys. Its absorption from the gut depends on the transporter ABCG2 (BCRP), and the gene study listed looked at an ABCG2 variant (Q141K, rs2231142) linked to higher levels of oral topotecan. The evidence is weak, and there is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.
Every published finding on gene variants and Topotecan. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.
PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.
ABCG2 rs4148157: Level 3. Metabolism/PK: Brain Neoplasms. 1.
Studies of how quickly the body processes this medication.
Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.
More drugs from the same category
Camptosar (Topoisomerase Inhibitors)
VePesid (Topoisomerase Inhibitors)
XK469 (Topoisomerase Inhibitors)
Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.
Content updated September 2026.
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