Camptothecins are a potent class of anticancer drugs that inhibit DNA topoisomerase I. Topotecan and irinotecan are two FDA approved second generation congeners currently in clinical use, and have a spectrum of activity which includes colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancers. Unfortunately, these drugs are hampered by a labile α-hydroxy-δ-lactone pharmacophore, which hydrolyzes to yield the inactive carboxylate form of the drug.