Minimizing adverse side-effects of oral bexarotene in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: An expert opinion

C. Assaf, M. Bagot, R. Dummer, M. Duvic, R. Gniadecki, R. Knobler, A. Ranki, P. Schwandt, S. Whittaker

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bexarotene is an oral retinoid therapy that is effective for the treatment of early and advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have failed on other therapies. However, bexarotene treatment is associated with un-avoidable side-effects, in particular hypertriglyceridaemia and hypothyroidism, which are manageable with adequate concomitant medications and are reversible on cessation of treatment. A pragmatic strategy for minimizing bexarotene-associated hypertriglyceridaemia and hypothyroidism is suggested, based on data from the studies with bexarotene in CTCL and on day-to-day experience with this agent in the clinical setting. The strategy anticipates that these common adverse events are likely to occur and recommends the early use of preventive therapy to lower triglycerides and elevate thyroid hormone levels in the blood, followed by subsequent monitoring, dose adjustment during bexarotene treatment, and titration of the daily bexarotene dose from 150 to 300 mg m-2, which is optimal for most patients. When further information becomes available on how bexarotene interacts with lipid metabolism and thyroid function, the management approach suggested here may need to be changed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)261-266
Number of pages6
JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology
Volume155
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2006

Keywords

  • Bexarotene
  • Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  • Hypertriglyceridaemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Rexinoid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Minimizing adverse side-effects of oral bexarotene in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: An expert opinion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this