Etoposide phosphate (Etopophos, BMY-40481) is a water-soluble derivative of the widely used podophyllotoxin etoposide (VP-16). The phosphate ester renders the compound water-soluble, eliminating the need for formulation in polysorbate (Tween) 80, ethanol, and polyethylene glycol. As a result the compound can be given at high concentrations and as a bolus. In animals and in vitro, etoposide phosphate (EP) is rapidly and completely converted to VP-16. Clinical development of the i.v. formulation has focused on the identification of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug using a 5 daily dose schedule and a days 1, 3, and 5 schedule, with the drug being given over 30 or 5 (bolus) min. Myelosuppression was dose-limiting. Data from these trials show the rapid and complete conversion of EP to VP-16, a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for myelosuppression and exposure to VP-16, and an MTD of 100 and 150 mg/m2 (molar equivalent to VP-16) when EP is given daily for 5 days and on days 1, 3, and 5, respectively. A formal randomized trial has been conducted to show the pharmacokinetic comparability of EP and VP-16. In this trial, exposure to VP-16 was the same after the parenteral administration of equimolar doses of EP or VP-16. The feasibility of bolus dosing and treatment at high concentrations has been demonstrated, with no effects on the cardiovascular system being noted. Parenteral EP is pharmacokinetically and biologically equivalent to VP-16 and has the advantages of the elimination of potentially toxic excipients; more convenient administration; and ability to be given as a bolus, at high concentrations, and as a continuous infusion.