Zolinza (vorinostat)

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors Oral Capsule

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, is an antineoplastic agent.

Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is an antineoplastic agent. The mechanism of the antineoplastic effect of vorinostat has not been fully characterized. Vorinostat inhibits the enzymatic activity of histone deacetylases HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 (Class I) and HDAC6 (Class II) at nanomolar concentrations.

HDAC enzymes catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from the lysine residues of proteins, including histones and transcription factors. Overexpression of HDAC enzymes or aberrant recruitment of HDAC enzymes to oncogenic transcription factors causing hypoacetylation of core nucleosomal histones has been observed in some cancer cells. Hypoacetylation of histones is associated with a condensed chromatin structure and repression of gene transcription.

Inhibition of HDAC activity allows for the accumulation of acetyl groups on the histone lysine residues, resulting in an open chromatin structure and transcriptional activation. In vitro, vorinostat causes the accumulation of acetylated histones and induces cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis of some transformed cells.

Vorinostat is extensively metabolized to inactive metabolites, principally by glucuronidation and hydrolysis followed by beta-oxidation. The drug is not metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes. In vitro studies indicate that vorinostat is not a substrate of human P-glycoprotein and does not inhibit the P-glycoprotein transport system.

Vorinostat is excreted principally (about 35-52%) in urine as2 major, inactive metabolites. Only a small portion (<1%) of a dose is excreted in urine as unchanged drug.

USES: Vorinostat is used to treat a certain type of cancer (CTCL-cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Generic name: vorinostat
Pronunciation: (vor-IN-oh-stat)
Drug class: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Zolinza:

  • Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Also known as: Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Small Cerebriform Cell Lymphoma.

Dosing

In patients who do not tolerate a dosage of 400 mg once daily (e.g., because of anemia or thrombocytopenia), the manufacturer recommends reducing the dosage to 300 mg once daily. If needed, the dosage may be further reduced to 300 mg once daily for 5 consecutive days each week.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

None.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects occurring in >=20% of patients receiving vorinostat include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, thromboctyopenia, anorexia, and dysgeusia.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
C84.0ICD10CMMycosis fungoides
C84.AICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified
C84.A0ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, unspecified site
C84.A1ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C84.A2ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C84.A3ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C84.A4ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C84.A5ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C84.A6ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C84.A7ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, spleen
C84.A8ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C84.A9ICD10CMCutaneous t-cell lymphoma, unspecified, extranodal and solid organ sites

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data