| Common Brands | Beleodaq |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor (HDAC Inhibitor) |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Belinostat, or Beleodaq as the brand name, is a medication primarily used to treat cancer, particularly for patients suffering from peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), which is a very rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It falls under the category of HDAC inhibitors, meaning that it acts on the enzymes responsible for controlling gene expression in cells.
Belinostat modulates the expression of certain genes that can alter cell growth and survival and possibly suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. This is among the very few treatments options available to patients with PTCL, especially those with a disease refractory to other treatments.
Belinostat has to be administered intravenous, but it is still available for administration under the professional’s prescription. The generally followed dose schedule is infused in the vein for an interval of 30 minutes a day for five sequential days with two days left open, and this period is regarded as a cycle that spans 21 days. Several cycles may also be performed based on side effects severity and patient responses.
Before the treatment begins, doctors would evaluate the patient’s medical history, laboratory tests, and overall health condition to establish the right dose. Belinostat must only be used in the medical setting such as in the hospital or in oncology clinics. This will allow close monitoring of the patient in case some side effects are observed while undergoing the infusion process.
The patient should adhere to the prescription of the healthcare provider on the dosage and schedule. The infusion should be given as prescribed, and patients should not skip doses or stop the treatment without consulting their healthcare provider.
It functions by the inhibition of HDACs. HDAC regulates histone acetylation as well as other protein’s acetylation status. Inhibiting these enzymes by Belinostat enhances histone acetylation status, making the structure of chromatin open enough for the expression of the tumor suppressor genes to occur and suppress oncogenic processes involved in cell proliferation that cause cancer.
Belinostat’s mechanism also goes beyond histones. HDACs affect not only histones but also non-histone proteins, such as transcription factors, chaperones, and signaling molecules. Modification of these proteins by Belinostat influences cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and differentiation. The drug ultimately induces cell death in cancer cells, especially those in abnormal states of proliferation. This is why Belinostat is effective in treating cancers in which tumor cells have defective or dysregulated gene expression.
Similar to many cancer therapies, Belinostat has various possible side effects, including serious ones. Common side effects of Belinostat include:
Fatigue: This is the common side effect that sometimes manifests itself as debilitating from the use of Belinostat. Patients often become too weak.
Nausea and Vomiting: Sometimes patients may feel nauseating or vomiting especially after getting the drug.
Low Blood Cell Counts: This may occur because Belinostat might affect the bone marrow thereby resulting in a reduced amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, hence enhancing susceptibility to infections, anemia, and bleeding.
Infections: Patients on treatment are at the risk of infections because the treatment suppresses the immune system.
Liver Toxicity: In rare cases, Belinostat may cause liver damage, and it presents with elevated liver enzymes or jaundice.
Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea that can be present in the patients on treatment with Belinostat.
Rare but serious side effects include:
Serious allergic reactions: These include rash, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Liver Disease: Belinostat should be used cautiously in patients who have liver disease prior to receiving the treatment, as this drug worsens the liver condition.
Monitoring Blood Cell Counts: Regular monitoring of blood cell counts is important as Belinostat can lead to myelosuppression; it can result in anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Belinostat should not be used by pregnant women as it causes damage to the fetus. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant women. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking Belinostat. The drug’s excretion in breast milk is not known.
Risk of Infection: The patients should be observed carefully for signs of infections, because Belinostat reduces immunity and increases susceptibility to infections with bacteria and viruses.
Electrolyte Disturbance: Electrolytes can be low, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Blood tests have to be conducted at frequent intervals during the course of treatment.
Belinostat may interact with other chemotherapy drugs, increasing the risk of bone marrow suppression, leading to low blood cell counts.
Liver Enzyme Inhibitors: Medications like itraconazole may increase Belinostat levels, heightening the risk of toxicity or side effects.
Anticoagulants: Using Belinostat with blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Immunosuppressants: Combining Belinostat with other immunosuppressive drugs may enhance the risk of infections due to weakened immune function.
For adult patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Belinostat is administered 1000 mg/m² in an intravenous infusion once daily over 30 minutes for five consecutive days with two days of rest following the cycle. The cycles are repeated every 21 days.
The exact dosage may vary depending on the patient’s overall health, prior treatments, and how well they tolerate the drug. Lower doses may be required in patients with liver dysfunction or significant side effects.
The dosage may also be adjusted based on blood test results. For example, if blood cell counts fall too low, treatment may be delayed or the dosage reduced.
Belinostat is a prescription drug and must be used only under the guidance of a qualified health care provider, usually an oncologist. It is administered through specialized clinics and hospitals. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to find out if Belinostat is the appropriate treatment for their condition and discuss possible risks and benefits.
Doctors will first conduct a proper evaluation of the patient’s medical history, such as liver function tests, blood counts, and other previous cancer treatments, to decide on the best course of treatment before prescribing Belinostat. Patients should not take Belinostat on their own or change the dose without consulting a healthcare provider.
What is Belinostat?
How does Belinostat work?
What conditions is Belinostat approved to treat?
What are the common side effects of Belinostat?
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How often is Belinostat given?
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Who should not take Belinostat?
Are there any long-term concerns with taking Belinostat?
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Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use Belinostat?
What should I do if I miss a dose of Belinostat?
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Does Belinostat affect fertility?
Is there a risk of developing secondary cancers with Belinostat?
What monitoring is required while on Belinostat?
Are there specific dietary restrictions while taking Belinostat?
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Belinostat?
How does Belinostat compare to other cancer treatments?
Where can I find more information about Belinostat?
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