Is Zydelig a chemotherapy drug?

Zydelig (generic name: idelalisib) is not a traditional chemotherapy drug, but is a targeted anticancer treatment taken twice daily by mouth. Targeted drug therapies like Zydelig work by blocking specific pathways that allow the cancer to grow uncontrolled. Zydelig is used in combination with rituximab (Rituxan) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

• Targeted drug therapies find and attack specific types of cancer cells and may cause less damage to healthy cells, but common, serious and possibly deadly side effects may still occur with targeted drug therapies.
• Chemotherapy works by more generally killing rapidly growing cancer cells, but also can affect normal, healthy cells, which can worsen side effects.

Why is Zydelig prescribed?

Zydelig is used together with rituximab (Rituxan) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults when CLL comes back after prior cancer treatment and when rituximab treatment alone may be used due to other health problems. CLL is a type of blood cancer.

Limitations of Use

• Zydelig should not be used as the first medicine (first-line treatment) to treat anyone.
• It also should not be used in combination with bendamustine and rituximab, or in combination with rituximab to treat people with certain non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
• It is not known if Zydelig is safe and effective in children.

How does Zydelig work in cancer?

Zydelig (idelalisib) works by blocking a protein called phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kδ) delta in cancer cells that tells the cancer to grow. Zydelig is also called a PI3K inhibitor.

PI3Kδ is a protein which is found in normal and cancerous B cells. PI3Kδ is involved in the activation, viability, growth and migration of B-cells, a type of cell found in the immune system. By inhibiting PI3Kδ, Zydelig blocks the messaging (signaling) that keeps the B-cells growing, and in turn leads to the death of the cancer cells.

Related Questions

• What is Zydelig used for and how does it work?
• How will I feel after a Rituxan infusion?
• How long does it take for Rituxan to work?

How do I take Zydelig?

• Zydelig is given as one 150 mg tablet twice daily, swallowed whole, with or without food.
• Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
  change your dose or stop taking Zydelig without first talking to your healthcare provider.
• Most patients will continue treatment until their disease worsens or they have unacceptable side effects.

Zydelig can cause common, serious or deadly side effects. You should review the side effects of this medicine before treatment. Learn more about Zydelig warnings, precaution and side effects here.

This is not all the information you need to know about Zydelig (idelalisib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.