Panretin (alitretinoin)

Alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid), a derivative of vitamin A, is a naturally occurring endogenous retinoid that exhibits topical antineoplastic activity.

Alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid), a derivative of vitamin A, is a naturally occurring endogenous retinoid. Alitretinoin binds to and activates both intracellular retinoic acid receptors (RAR) (e.g., RARalpha, RARbeta, RARgamma) and retinoid X receptors (RXR) (e.g., RXRalpha, RXRbeta, RXRgamma) that appear to enhance gene transcription. The exact mechanism of action of alitretinoin in the management of lesions associated with Kaposi's sarcoma has not been fully elucidated; however, the drug appears to affect expression of genes that inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell differentiation, and trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in both healthy and cancer cells.

In vitro, alitretinoin appears to inhibit Kaposi's sarcoma cell growth.

Limited data indicate that alitretinoin is not substantially absorbed systemically following topical application of the drug. Following repeated multiple topical applications of alitretinoin 0.1% gel in patients with cutaneous lesions associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, plasma concentrations of 9-cis-retinoic acid were similar to those of naturally occurring 9-cis-retinoic acid found in healthy untreated patients. Although there were no detectable plasma concentrations of 9-cis-retinoic acid metabolites following topical application of alitretinoin 0.1% gel, in vitro studies indicate that alitretinoin is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes 2C9, 3A4, 1A1, and 1A2.

USES: This medication is used to treat skin sores in patients with a certain type of AIDS-related cancer (Kaposi's sarcoma). Alitretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells.

This medication should not be used when medications taken by mouth are needed to treat the Kaposi's sarcoma (for example, if you have had more than 10 new skin sores in the previous month, or if the disease affects the lungs or other organs).

Generic name: alitretinoin
Pronunciation: (AL-i-TRET-i-noyn)

The following indications are listed for Panretin:

• Kaposi's Sarcoma Skin Lesion

Also known as: Kaposi's Sarcoma Cutaneous Lesions, Kaposi's Sarcoma Of Skin.

No ICD codes are available for this drug.