9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC)
Trade Name:
(Investigational)
Type of Drug:
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) belongs to the general group of chemotherapy drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. It is being studied in several cancers, including colon and ovarian cancers.
How Drug Works:
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) stops the growth of cancer cells by blocking the development of DNA and RNA.
How Drug Is Given:
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) is given into a vein (intravenuously) for 3 days or as directed by the specific clinical study. The dose given will depend on your size, whether other medicines are given with it, and your blood counts. If you are also taking antiseizure medicines, the dose of 9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) may be increased. Since this drug is still being studied (investigational), the specific dose, how it is given, and schedule will be determined by the study (clinical trial).
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) can lower your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets). Your doctor will check your blood counts before and after each treatment to see how it affects your blood counts. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions if your blood counts are low.
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) can cause a decrease in your white blood cell count. This can increase your chance of getting an infection. Report fever of 100.5°F or higher, or signs of infection such as pain in passing your urine, coughing and bringing up sputum.
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) can cause a decrease in the platelet count. This can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines. Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.
9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) can cause nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor or nurse to give you medicines to prevent or lessen this side effect.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Anemia
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Talk to your doctor or nurse about getting a wig before you start your chemotherapy.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop diarrhea and ask them how it should be treated.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is being studied for cancer treatment.