Abstract: Camptothecin is an important antitumor product from Camptotheca acuminata, however,the disadvantages,such as poor solubility,toxicity and metabolic inactivation,block its application as antineoplastic agent.Over the past few decades,the modifications of camptothecin have been carried out by numerous researchers to conquer its drawbacks,and many excellent camptothecin derivatives were developed,including topotecan and irinotecan.This review will highlight recent advances (2013-2016) in the development of new camptothecin derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

Key words: camptothecin, derivatives, anticancer