Belinostat
Belinostat is a Class I and II histone deacytelase (HDAC) inhibitor being studied in multiple clinical trials as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of various hematological and solid tumors.
Mode of Action (MOA)
Its anticancer effect is thought to be mediated through multiple mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of differentiation, and the resensitization of cells that have developed drug resistance to anticancer agents such as platinums, taxanes and topoisomerase II inhibitors.
Current Development Programs
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): Belinostat is currently in a registrational trial, under a special protocol assessment, as a monotherapy for PTCL. The enrollment goal is approximately 120 patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, who have failed at least one prior systemic therapy.
Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP): Belinostat is also currently in a randomized Phase II trial for CUP in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. There are currently no approved therapies for treatment of CUP, an indication with a large patient population. The NCI estimates that approximately 2 to 4% of all cancers are CUP.
Several other studies in the treatment of various hematological and solid tumor indications are ongoing.
Future Studies
Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Belinostat will soon be in a randomized Phase II trial for NSCLC in combination with paclitaxel plus carboplatin versus paclitaxel plus carboplatin alone in chemotherapy naive patients with Stage IV NSCLC.
