Romidepsin: a new drug for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2012 Apr;16(2):195-204. doi: 10.1188/12.CJON.195-204.

Abstract

Patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) have a rare, disfiguring, and life-threatening subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma primarily localized to the skin. Their immune systems are altered and their skin is compromised. In addition, they are highly prone to infections-the most common cause of death in patients with this disease. Patients presenting with early-stage disease involvement typically are treated with topical therapies; patients with advanced-stage and recurrent disease require systemic treatment. Specialized knowledge is required by oncology healthcare providers to manage the wide array of symptoms experienced by these patients as a part of the natural course of this disease. A new drug, romidepsin, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is indicated in the treatment of relapsed CTCL. The authors discuss use of romidepsin in the context of CTCL and the information needed to safely administer romidepsin and manage its side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Depsipeptides / adverse effects
  • Depsipeptides / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Approval
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / nursing
  • Recurrence
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / nursing

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Depsipeptides
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • romidepsin