Etoposide and teniposide. Bioanalysis, metabolism and clinical pharmacokinetics

Etoposide (VP 16-213) and teniposide (VM 26) are semisynthetic epipodophyllotoxin derivatives active against a variety of tumours. The clinical efficacy has led to an increasing interest in these compounds. This review presents information on the mechanism of action, biochemical pharmacology, bioanalysis, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of etoposide and teniposide.