Bendamustine: New Treatment for CLL Indication: As an alkylating agent, the drug bendamustine is indicated for treatment of Patients with Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Additionally bendamustine can be prescribed for the treatment of patients with Indolent B-cell nonHodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within 6 months of the RITUXIMAB treatment or a rituximab containing regimen. Side Effects: The most commonly observed bendamustine side effects may include: ● Rash ● Cough ● Diarrhea ● Hair loss ● Constipation ● Difficulty breathing ● Headache ● Loss of appetite ● Decreased platelets count ● Mouth ulcers and irritation ● Tiredness ● Weight loss ● Low red and white blood cells Some other reported side effects may include: ● Infections ● Other cancers ● Tissue damage ● Kidney or liver damage How Bendamustine Is Given: Bendamustine is recommended to be given as an infusion into a vein. Bendamustine usually doesn't come in the form of pills. The bendamustine dose that you will be given depends on several factors, including your blood counts, height, and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type condition you're being treated. Your healthcare practitioner will determine your appropriate dose as well as schedule. Interaction: Some possible bendamustine drug interactions are as follows: ● Bendamustine’s active metabolites, gamma-hydroxy bendamustine and N-desmethylbendamustine are developed with the help of CYP 1A2; thus, inhibitors as well as inducers of the CYP 1A2 may be responsible for affecting the circulating levels of this drug as well as its active metabolites. ● This drug is considered unlikely to inhibit/induce the metabolism of the substrates of CYP isoenzymes. ● In vitro data shows that bendamustine may be a substrate for P-glycoprotein.
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