Irinotecan-induced neutropenia is reduced by oral alkalization drugs: analysis using retrospective chart reviews and the spontaneous reporting database

Purpose SN-38, an active metabolite of irinotecan, is reabsorbed by the intestinal tract during excretion, causing diarrhoea and neutropenia. In addition, the association between blood levels of SN-38 and neutropenia has been reported previously, and the rapid excretion of SN-38 from the intestinal tract is considered to prevent neutropenia. Oral alkalization drugs are used as prophylactic agents for suppressing SN-38 reabsorption. The relationship between oral alkalization drugs and neutropenia, however, has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral alkalization drugs and neutropenia in irinotecan-treated patients.