194: Molecular Targeted Therapies Flashcards
(136 cards)
What is the mechanism of action of Vorinostat (Zolinza)?
Vorinostat is an inhibitor of several histone deacetylases (HDACs) including HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, and HDAC6. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of acetylated histones, which can induce apoptosis and/or arrest of the cell cycle in transformed cells.
What are the indications for using Vorinostat (Zolinza)?
Vorinostat is indicated for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients with persistent, recurrent, or progressive disease on or following 2 systemic therapies.
What is the recommended dosing regimen for Vorinostat (Zolinza)?
The recommended dosing regimen for Vorinostat is 400 mg by mouth once daily with food. Caution is advised in patients with preexisting renal impairment, and the dose should be reduced in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
What are the common side effects associated with Vorinostat (Zolinza)?
Common side effects (occurring in 20% of patients) include: fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, dysgeusia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, and weight loss. Serious adverse effects may include pulmonary embolism, squamous cell carcinoma, and anemia.
What are the contraindications for Vorinostat (Zolinza)?
There are no specific contraindications listed for Vorinostat (Zolinza).
What are the drug interactions associated with Vorinostat (Zolinza)?
Vorinostat may cause GI bleeding and severe thrombocytopenia if used concurrently with other HDAC inhibitors such as valproic acid.
What are the major metabolic pathways and dosing regimen for Vorinostat?
Vorinostat is metabolized primarily through glucuronidation and hydrolysis. The median time to maximum concentration is 4 hours. The recommended dose is 400 mg by mouth once daily with food.
List the most common serious adverse effects of Vorinostat.
The most common serious adverse effects of Vorinostat include pulmonary embolism, squamous cell carcinoma, and anemia.
Explain the contraindications and drug interactions of Vorinostat.
Vorinostat has no specific contraindications but should be used with caution in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Dose reduction is advised for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Concurrent use with other HDAC inhibitors like valproic acid may lead to GI bleeding and severe thrombocytopenia.
What is the significance of histone acetylation in cancer therapy?
Histone acetylation plays a crucial role in gene expression regulation; its modulation through HDAC inhibitors like Vorinostat and Romidepsin can lead to differentiation, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis in cancer cells.
What precautions should be taken when prescribing Vorinostat to patients with hepatic impairment?
In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the dose of Vorinostat should be reduced to prevent potential toxicity and adverse effects.
What is the clinical significance of the FDA approval of Vorinostat and Romidepsin?
The FDA approval of Vorinostat and Romidepsin signifies a therapeutic advancement in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, providing options for patients with refractory disease.
What are the potential serious adverse effects of Vorinostat that clinicians should monitor?
Clinicians should monitor for serious adverse effects such as pulmonary embolism, squamous cell carcinoma, and anemia when prescribing Vorinostat.
How does the mechanism of action of HDAC inhibitors like Vorinostat and Romidepsin contribute to their effectiveness in cancer treatment?
HDAC inhibitors like Vorinostat and Romidepsin contribute to cancer treatment effectiveness by inhibiting histone deacetylases, leading to increased histone acetylation, which promotes gene expression changes that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
What is the importance of monitoring blood counts in patients receiving Vorinostat?
Monitoring blood counts is important in patients receiving Vorinostat due to the risk of thrombocytopenia and other hematological side effects, which can lead to serious complications.
What role does pregnancy category D play in the prescribing of Vorinostat?
Pregnancy category D indicates that Vorinostat may pose risks to the fetus, and its use should be avoided in pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
What are the implications of the metabolic pathways of Vorinostat on its pharmacokinetics?
Vorinostat undergoes glucuronidation and hydrolysis, which are major metabolic pathways that can affect its bioavailability and clearance, influencing dosing and potential drug interactions.
What is the significance of the 20% incidence of side effects in patients taking Vorinostat?
The 20% incidence of side effects in patients taking Vorinostat highlights the need for patient education and monitoring to manage and mitigate these effects during treatment.
What are the clinical considerations for using Romidepsin in patients with prior systemic therapies?
When using Romidepsin in patients with prior systemic therapies, clinicians should consider the patient’s treatment history, potential for cumulative toxicity, and the need for close monitoring for adverse effects.
What is the relationship between histone deacetylation and cancer progression?
Histone deacetylation is often associated with gene silencing and can contribute to cancer progression by preventing the expression of tumor suppressor genes; thus, inhibiting this process can be a therapeutic strategy.
What are the implications of the FDA approval of HDAC inhibitors for future cancer therapies?
The FDA approval of HDAC inhibitors like Vorinostat and Romidepsin suggests a growing recognition of the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
How should clinicians approach the management of side effects in patients taking Vorinostat?
Clinicians should adopt a proactive approach to manage side effects in patients taking Vorinostat by implementing regular monitoring, providing supportive care, and adjusting treatment as necessary to enhance patient quality of life.
What factors should be considered when determining the appropriateness of Vorinostat for a patient?
Factors to consider include the patient’s medical history, renal and hepatic function, previous treatments, and the severity of the disease, ensuring a tailored approach to therapy.
What is the significance of the median time to maximum concentration for Vorinostat in clinical practice?
The median time to maximum concentration of 4 hours for Vorinostat is significant as it informs clinicians about the timing of administration and potential onset of action, aiding in optimizing treatment schedules.