Latest Cancer TreatmentsDr. Mohammadreza Dabiri
Dr. Mohammadreza Dabiriفارسی
Drug

Etoposide

An injectable (and oral) chemotherapy drug for small cell lung cancer, testicular cancer and lymphoma

Updated: 27 October 20261 min read3 references
Generic name
Etoposide
Brand names
VePesid, Toposar
Drug class
Topoisomerase II inhibitor
Route
Intravenous infusion (an oral capsule also exists)
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Key points

  • Etoposide is usually given into a vein for several days in a row, together with cisplatin or carboplatin [1].
  • It is a mainstay of treatment for small cell lung cancer and testicular tumours [1, 2, 3].
  • Low blood counts are its most important side effect; take any fever seriously [1].

What is this drug and how does it work?

For patients

Etoposide stops cancer cells from working properly while they divide. It is usually given with other chemotherapy drugs [1].

For physiciansSpecialist notes
For physicians

Inhibits topoisomerase II and causes DNA strand breaks; cell-cycle dependent (S and G2 phases) [1].

Which cancers is it used for?

For patients
What is this drug for?
  • Small cell lung cancer [1, 2]
  • Germ cell tumours (testicular) [1, 3]
  • Lymphoma and leukaemia in combination regimens
For physiciansApproved uses and evidence
For physicians
Approved uses and evidence
DiseaseUseKey evidence
Small cell lung cancerWith platinum (± immunotherapy) [1, 2]Regimen: platinum-etoposide
Germ cell tumourBEP and EP [1, 3]Regimen: BEP

How it is taken and dosing

Show detailsHide

As a slow infusion into a vein (about 30 to 60 minutes), usually on 3 to 5 days in a row, every 3 to 4 weeks [1]. There is also a capsule form, whose dose differs from the injection.

For physiciansStandard dosing (FDA label), 1 regimen
For physicians

Standard dosing (FDA label)

Etoposide

By regimenCycle length: Every 3 to 4 weeks

By regimen

DrugDoseRouteSchedule
Testicular
Etoposide50 to 100 mg/m² daily on days 1 to 5 (or 100 on days 1, 3 and 5)IV over 30 to 60 minutesEvery 3 to 4 weeks
Small cell lung
Etoposide35 mg/m² daily for 4 days to 50 mg/m² daily for 5 daysIVEvery 3 to 4 weeks
Cycle length
Every 3 to 4 weeks
Duration
By regimen

Rapid infusion causes hypotension; give over at least 30 minutes. Reduce the dose in renal impairment [1]. Many current lung regimens use 80 to 100 mg/m² on days 1 to 3 [2].

Evidence: IMpower133 (2018)

Doses follow the trial protocol, guideline or official drug label (source given in the notes of each regimen). Before prescribing, check blood counts, renal and hepatic function, drug interactions and the patient’s condition, and adjust the dose according to the drug label.

Side effects

For patients

The most common side effects: low blood cells and platelets, hair loss, nausea and poor appetite, and tiredness [1].

For physiciansSpecialist notes
For physicians

Myelosuppression (dose-limiting), alopecia, nausea and vomiting, anorexia [1].

Serious side effects

For patients

Serious side effects: infection while white blood cells are low, an allergic reaction during the infusion and low blood pressure with a rapid infusion; and, rarely, a second leukaemia years later [1].

For physiciansSpecialist notes
For physicians
  • Myelosuppression: blood counts before every cycle [1].
  • Hypotension with rapid infusion; anaphylactoid reactions [1].
  • Secondary leukaemia (especially with high cumulative doses) [1].

When should I call my doctor?

  • A temperature of 38 °C or higher
  • Shortness of breath, facial swelling or dizziness during the infusion
  • Bleeding or bruising

Interactions, pregnancy and precautions

  • Pregnancy: this drug may harm an unborn baby; use effective contraception during treatment and tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment [1].
  • Discuss fertility preservation with your doctor before starting (more).
For patients

Frequently asked questions

Does etoposide cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is common, and hair usually grows back after treatment ends [1].

Related cancer types

Lung cancerLymphomaTesticular cancer

Treatment regimens (physicians)

Carboplatin-etoposide with atezolizumab or durvalumab in small cell lung cancerBEP in germ cell (testicular) tumours

Related drugs

BendamustineBevacizumab (Avastin)Bortezomib (Velcade)Carboplatin (Paraplatin)Cisplatin (Platinol)Cyclophosphamide (Endoxan)Docetaxel (Taxotere)Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

References

3 references
Show all references, 2 with a study cardClose the reference list

Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.

  1. 1
    ETOPOSIDE — Prescribing InformationAccord Healthcare Inc · FDA label · 2026
    Source Back to text: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
  2. 2
    First-Line Atezolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung CancerHorn L, Mansfield AS, Szczęsna A, et al · N Engl J Med · 2018;379:2220-2229
    Study cardDOIPubMed Back to text: 1 2 3 4
  3. 3
    Treatment of disseminated germ-cell tumors with cisplatin, bleomycin, and either vinblastine or etoposideWilliams SD, Birch R, Einhorn LH, et al · N Engl J Med · 1987;316:1435-40
    Study cardDOIPubMed Back to text: 1 2 3

This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 27 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.

Printed from the website; the full and up-to-date version: https://drdabiri.com/en/drugs/etoposide/

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