title: [Doxil--pegylated liposomal doxorubicin].
abstract: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil: PLD) is a liposome-encapsulated form of doxorubicin modified with polyethylene glycol that has been approved for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. The characteristics of PLD are reduction of the severe side effects of cardiac toxicity and myelosuppression seen with doxorubicin, and a higher anti-tumor effect from the selective high maintenance of the drug concentration in the tumor tissue. This does not mean, however, that PLD should be used in the treatment of all patients with Kaposi's sarcoma; in some cases with skin lesions only and local distribution highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) alone is effective. While precise criteria for the use of PLD have not been determined, it is used in combination with HAART in patients with rapid progression, edema or strong pain, pulmonary complications, or extensive organ complications, or in cases when tumor progression is not slowed with HAART alone. Common side effects are myelosuppression and digestive symptoms, but when combined with HAART these complications do not become serious enough to lead to a discontinuation of treatment. The advantages of using PLD are less myelosuppression, less drug interaction, and the possibility of switching to outpatient administration. The level of treatment safety, tolerability, and treatment effectiveness makes it possible to investigate vigorous concomitant use with HAART, and expanded indications to other solid tumors may be expected.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Komagome Metropolitan Hospital.
authors.forename: Noritaka
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sekiya
authors.forename: Akifumi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Imamura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: C506643:liposomal doxorubicin; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D004317:Doxorubicin