University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (10): 161-165.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202411027

Special Issue:

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

From Alkaloid to Anticancer Agent: The Transformative Journey of Camptothecin

Zimo Shen1, Tongwei Zhang1, Zhiyi Zhu1, Zonghao Gong1, Qing Feng2, Jinyi Yang3, Zhen Li3, Min Liu2, Wei Qi2   

  1. 1 School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
    2 School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China;
    3 Henan Jinshu Network Technology Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 410100, China
  • Received:2024-11-06 Accepted:2025-02-24 Published:2025-09-17
  • Contact: Min Liu, Wei Qi E-mail:liumin@hust.edu.cn;qiwei@hust.edu.cn

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Abstract: Camptothecin, a potent anticancer agent derived from traditional Chinese medicine, serves as the focal point of this article. Through the imaginative lens of a science fiction narrative, the article depicts camptothecin’s battle against tumor cells. Employing a combination of scientific rigor and engaging language, it elucidates the compound’s properties, mechanisms of action, and recent research progress in structural modifications, functional enhancements, and clinical applications.

Key words: Camptothecin, Antitumor, Structural modification, Drug delivery system