Oral bexarotene in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
To review the preclinical and clinical information related to oral bexarotene approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who are refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy.


METHODS
Literature accessed through MEDLINE (from 1990 to July 2000) and provided by the manufacturer. Key search terms included bexarotene, Targretin, LGD1069, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.


RESULTS
The management of CTCL remains controversial due to its rarity in the US and its heterogeneity. An evaluation focusing on the pharmacology of bexarotene and its role in the management of the different stages of CTCL was conducted.


CONCLUSIONS
Bexarotene has demonstrated activity in the treatment of CTCL. The oral route of administration and the adverse effect profile of bexarotene appear to make this drug a favorable option for the treatment of CTCL. Compared with other systemic therapies. Phase III randomized studies are needed to determine the clinical benefits of bexarotene as monotherapy or combination therapy in the treatment of CTCL.
Wong
S F
SF
College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Irvine, CA, USA. siuwong@westernu.edu
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077610:Bexarotene; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D000077610:Bexarotene