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How it is administered
Belinostat is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The recommended dosage is 1,000 mg/m² administered over 30 minutes once daily on Days 1 through 5 of a 21-day cycle. The cycles can be repeated every 21 days until the disease progresses or unacceptable side effects occur.
Belinostat is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder that is reconstituted and further diluted before being infused through a vein. It should be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
How it works
Belinostat is a type of medication known as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. HDACs are enzymes that remove acetyl groups from certain proteins, including histones, which are involved in the packaging of DNA in cells. By inhibiting these enzymes, belinostat causes an accumulation of acetylated proteins, which can disrupt the function of cancer cells.
This disruption can lead to cell cycle arrest (where cancer cells stop dividing) and/or apoptosis (programmed cell death) of some cancer cells. Belinostat appears to be more toxic to tumor cells than to normal cells, making it useful in treating certain cancers. In laboratory studies, belinostat has been shown to inhibit the activity of HDACs at very low concentrations, which helps to stop the growth of cancer cells.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Anemia
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Rash
- Swelling (peripheral edema)
- Cough
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Itching (pruritus)
- Chills
- Increased blood lactate dehydrogenase
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Infusion site pain
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Prolonged QT interval (heart rhythm issue)
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Phlebitis (vein inflammation)
- Dizziness
Serious side effects can include infections, liver toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome, and severe blood count changes.
Who Should take it
Belinostat is indicated for adult patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This means it is used when the disease has returned after previous treatment or has not responded to other treatments.
It is specifically approved for use in PTCL based on its ability to shrink tumors and the duration of response seen in clinical trials. Continued approval may depend on further studies confirming its benefit. Patients should discuss with their healthcare provider whether belinostat is appropriate for their specific situation.
Who should not take it
There are no absolute contraindications listed for belinostat, but it should not be used in patients with active infections or those with severe hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment, as the safety and effectiveness in these populations have not been established.
Patients who are pregnant should not take belinostat, as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should also use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Patients with a known allergy to belinostat or any of its components should avoid this medication.
Commonly used with
Belinostat is primarily used as a single agent for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. In some cases, it may be followed by other treatments such as stem cell transplantation if the patient responds well.
It is important to avoid using belinostat with UGT1A1 inhibitors, as these can increase the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider will review your medications to avoid harmful interactions.
Commonly tested with
Belinostat has been tested as a single agent in clinical trials for peripheral T-cell lymphoma. It has also been studied in combination with other chemotherapy agents in research settings, but its main FDA-approved use is as a standalone treatment for relapsed or refractory PTCL.
If you are participating in a clinical trial, your doctor will explain if belinostat is being used with other medications.