Vorinostat
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
.svg)
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Vorinostat
Summary
Vorinostat is used to treat a type of cancer known as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It's used when the disease hasn't improved with other treatments.
Vorinostat works by blocking certain enzymes in the body known as histone deacetylases. This leads to changes in the proteins in cancer cells, which can cause them to die or stop growing.
The usual dose for adults is 400 mg. It's taken orally, once a day, with food. The safety and effectiveness in children haven't been established.
Common side effects of Vorinostat include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness. Severe side effects include thromboembolism and anemia.
Vorinostat can cause serious harm to a fetus. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for some time after. It can also interact with certain other drugs, leading to prolonged bleeding times. Regular monitoring is necessary when taking Vorinostat.
Indications and Purpose
How does Vorinostat work?
Vorinostat inhibits histone deacetylases, enzymes that remove acetyl groups from proteins. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of acetylated histones, resulting in an open chromatin structure and activation of gene transcription, which can cause cancer cell death or arrest their growth.
Is Vorinostat effective?
Vorinostat has been evaluated in clinical studies for its effectiveness in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). In these studies, patients with advanced CTCL showed a response rate of about 29.7%, with some achieving complete or partial responses. The median time to response was around 55 days.
What is Vorinostat?
Vorinostat is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients whose disease has not improved with other treatments. It works by inhibiting histone deacetylases, leading to the accumulation of acetylated histones, which can cause cancer cell death or stop their growth.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Vorinostat?
Vorinostat is typically used as long as there is no evidence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The duration can vary based on individual response and tolerance.
How do I take Vorinostat?
Vorinostat should be taken orally once daily with food. Patients are advised to drink at least eight 8-ounce cups of water daily to prevent dehydration. There are no specific food restrictions, but maintaining a normal diet is recommended unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
How long does it take for Vorinostat to start working?
The median time to response for Vorinostat is approximately 55 days, although it can take up to 6 months for some patients to achieve an objective response.
How should I store Vorinostat?
Vorinostat should be stored in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and do not store it in the bathroom. Dispose of unneeded medication through a take-back program.
What is the usual dose of Vorinostat?
The usual daily dose for adults is 400 mg taken orally once daily with food. The safety and effectiveness of Vorinostat in children have not been established, so there is no recommended dose for pediatric patients.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Vorinostat with other prescription drugs?
Vorinostat can interact with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants, leading to prolonged prothrombin time and INR. It can also cause severe thrombocytopenia when used with other HDAC inhibitors like valproic acid. Monitoring is essential when these drugs are used together.
Can Vorinostat be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Women are advised not to breastfeed while taking Vorinostat and for at least 1 week after the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a nursing child.
Can Vorinostat be taken safely while pregnant?
Vorinostat can cause fetal harm based on animal studies and its mechanism of action. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should use contraception for at least 3 months after the last dose.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Vorinostat?
Vorinostat may cause fatigue and dizziness, which could limit the ability to exercise. If you experience these side effects, it's advisable to avoid strenuous activities and consult your doctor for guidance.
Is Vorinostat safe for the elderly?
Clinical studies did not include enough elderly patients to determine if they respond differently from younger patients. However, no differences in responses have been identified. Elderly patients should use Vorinostat with caution, and regular monitoring is advised.
Who should avoid taking Vorinostat?
Important warnings for Vorinostat include the risk of thromboembolism, myelosuppression, gastrointestinal toxicity, and hyperglycemia. Patients should be monitored for these conditions. Vorinostat can also cause fetal harm, so effective contraception is necessary during treatment.