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Immunotoxins: The Next Generation

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New Cancer-Related Mutations Found in Breast & Colon Cancers

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Panitumumab approved for metastatic colorectal carcinoma

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Reviews & Reports

FDA Approves Histone Deactylase Inhibitor, Vorinostat

Reviewed by Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD

Adding once again to the cancer armamentarium, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, vorinostat, in October 2006 for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have progressive, persistent, or recurrent disease on or following 2 systemic therapies. The drug is taken orally in a dose of 400 mg once daily with food.

Vorinostat is thought to decrease the activity of HDAC, which allows for the activation of genes that may help to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. The exact mechanism of vorinostatŐs anticancer effect has not been fully characterized, however.

Vorinostat is manufactured by Merck & Co. with the trade name of Zolinza. Full prescribing information can be found at www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/z/zolinza/zolinza_pi.pdf.