Bendamustine therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
BACKGROUND
Bendamustine is now approved in the US for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and is currently being explored in the treatment of several solid tumor types.


OBJECTIVE
The bi-functionality of bendamustine was used to provide a therapeutic understanding of both its benefit as well as adverse effects.


METHODS
Pertinent biochemistry and molecular biology pathways are reviewed with regards to bendamustine activity. In view of these pathways bendamustine was reviewed in human clinical trials.


CONCLUSIONS
Bendamustine combines alkylating properties with purine analogue properties making it an effective drug in chronic lymphocytic leukemia where agents that affect these pathways have proven useful. There is limited evidence of cross-reactivity with this agent and other pure purine analogues and alkylators.
Masiello
David
D
USC Keck School of Medicine, Norris Cancer Center, Jane Ann Nohl Division of Hematology and Center for Blood Disease, Department of Medicine, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. masiello@usc.edu
Tulpule
Anil
A
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069461:Bendamustine Hydrochloride; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009588:Nitrogen Mustard Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009588:Nitrogen Mustard Compounds; D000069461:Bendamustine Hydrochloride