Romidepsin
Brand name: Istodax®

HDAC inhibitors target DNA associated proteins (histones) and allow the cell’s genes to be transcribed or expressed in a way that may help cancer cells die.

Romidepsin has been FDA approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. It is also a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Romidepsin  is given as an intravenous infusion over four hours every week for three weeks and then one week of rest.

The side effects of romidepsin are similar to other HDAC inhibitors such as vorinostat.  Blood tests to check the level of magnesium and potassium may be performed before the drug is given.

More information about Istodax may be found at:  www.istodax.com