Sodium camptothecin is primarily used in the field of oncology as an anticancer agent. It functions by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I, which is crucial for DNA replication in cancer cells. This inhibition leads to the interruption of DNA synthesis and ultimately induces apoptosis in malignant cells. It is particularly effective in treating various types of cancers, including ovarian, colorectal, and small cell lung cancer. Additionally, sodium camptothecin is utilized in research settings to study the mechanisms of topoisomerase inhibitors and their potential in developing new cancer therapies. Its application extends to combination therapies, where it is used alongside other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce drug resistance.