Oral etoposide displays high inter- and intra-variability. Convincing relationships were observed between hematological toxicities and exposure of which total etoposide area under the curve seems the more relevant in routine practice. Linear pharmacokinetics, limited sampling strategies and reduction of variability during concentration-controlled studies argue in favor of therapeutic drug monitoring. For these reasons, such practice can be considered as recommended or potentially useful. Further studies using Bayesian approach are nevertheless needed to definitely state regarding the level of evidence therapeutic drug monitoring of oral etoposide.
© 2010 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.