Romidepsin (Monograph)

Brand name: Istodax
Drug class: Antineoplastic Agents
- HDAC Inhibitors
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
VA class: AN900
Chemical name: (1S,4S,7Z,10S,16E,21R)-7-ethylidene-4,21-bis(1-methylethyl)-2-oxa-12,13, dithia-5,8,20,23-tetraazabicyclo[8,7,6]tricos-16-ene-3,6,9,19,22-pentone.
Molecular formula: C₂₄H₃₆N₄O₆S₂
CAS number: 128517-07-7

Introduction

Antineoplastic agent; a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor.

Uses for Romidepsin

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL; e.g., mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome) in adult patients who have received at least 1 prior systemic therapy.

Designated an orphan drug by the FDA for use in this condition.

Romidepsin Dosage and Administration

General

• Consult specialized references for procedures for proper handling and disposal of antineoplastics.

• Serum concentrations of potassium and magnesium should be within the normal range prior to romidepsin administration. (See Electrolyte Monitoring under Cautions.)

• Prophylactic antiemetics were administered to prevent nausea in romidepsin-treated patients in clinical trials.

Administration

IV Administration

For solution compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.

Administer by IV infusion only.

Romidepsin is commercially available as a kit that includes a single-use vial containing 10 mg of romidepsin and a sterile vial containing 2 mL of diluent (composed of 80% propylene glycol and 20% dehydrated alcohol).

Reconstitution

Based on the indicated dosage, reconstitute each of the appropriate number of vials labeled as containing 10 mg of romidepsin with 2 mL of supplied diluent to provide a solution containing 5 mg/mL. Swirl vials until no visible particles are present in the resulting solution. Must be further diluted before IV administration.

Dilution

Following reconstitution, add the appropriate volume of drug to 500 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection in a suitable container. (See Storage under Stability.)

Rate of Administration

Administer by IV infusion over 4 hours.

Dosage

Adults

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

IV

14 mg/m² (by IV infusion) on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Repeat cycles every 28 days as long as the patient derives benefit and tolerates therapy.

Optimal duration of treatment not clearly established; therapy was continued for ≤83 months in clinical trials.

Dosage Modification for Toxicity

Depending on severity of toxicity, may need to delay therapy and/or reduce subsequent dosages or discontinue drug permanently. Dosages reduced following drug-related adverse effects should not be re-escalated.

Non-hematologic Toxicity (Except Alopecia)

Grade 2 or 3 toxicity: Delay therapy until toxicity returns to ≤grade 1 or to baseline. Then may restart at 14 mg/m². If grade 3 toxicity recurs, delay romidepsin until toxicity returns to ≤grade 1 or baseline and permanently reduce dosage to 10 mg/m².

Grade 4 toxicity: Delay therapy until toxicity returns to ≤grade 1 or to baseline and permanently reduce dosage to 10 mg/m².

Discontinue therapy if grade 3 or 4 toxicities recur after dosage reduction.

Hematologic Toxicity

Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia: Delay therapy until specific cytopenia returns to ANC ≥1500 cells/mm³ and/or a platelet count of ≥75,000 cells/mm³ or to baseline. Then may restart at 14 mg/m².

Grade 4 febrile neutropenia (temperature ≥38.5°C) or thrombocytopenia requiring a platelet transfusion: Delay therapy until specific cytopenia returns to ≤grade 1 or to baseline and permanently reduce dosage to 10 mg/m².

Special Populations

Hepatic or Renal Impairment

Routine dosage adjustment not necessary in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; however, consider that pharmacokinetics may be altered. (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions and see also Renal Impairment under Cautions.)

Related/similar drugs

methoxsalen, bexarotene, vorinostat, Folotyn, Targretin, Beleodaq, pralatrexate

Cautions for Romidepsin

Contraindications

• No known contraindications.

Warnings/Precautions

Electrolyte Monitoring

Patients with CTCL are at risk of hypomagnesemia. Because of the risk of QT prolongation and other ECG abnormalities associated with hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia as well as with HDAC inhibitor therapy (including romidepsin), serum concentrations of potassium and magnesium should be within the normal range prior to romidepsin administration. Also consider electrolyte and ECG monitoring at baseline and periodically during romidepsin therapy in patients at high risk for QT-interval prolongation (see ECG Changes under Cautions).

Hematologic Effects

Risk of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (neutropenia and lymphopenia), and anemia. Monitor these hematologic parameters during therapy and adjust dosage if necessary. (See Dosage Modification for Toxicity under Dosage and Administration.)

ECG Changes

Treatment-related ECG changes, including T-wave and ST-segment changes, reported. May also prolong QT interval; further studies needed. Clinical importance of these ECG changes unknown.

Consider appropriate cardiovascular monitoring precautions (e.g., monitor electrolytes and ECG at baseline and periodically during therapy) in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with a history of substantial cardiovascular disease, and those taking antiarrhythmic drugs or other agents that can cause clinically important QT-interval prolongation. (See Electrolyte Monitoring under Cautions and see also Drugs that Prolong QT Interval under Interactions.)

Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

May cause fetal harm; a study in rats did not expose pregnant animals to enough romidepsin to fully evaluate possible adverse outcomes. (See Advice to Patients.)

Interactions with Estrogen-containing Contraceptives

An in vitro binding assay demonstrated that romidepsin competes with β-estradiol for binding to estrogen receptors. May reduce effectiveness of estrogen-containing contraceptives (e.g., oral contraceptives, patches, implants, IUDs), possibly resulting in pregnancy. (See Advice to Patients.)

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category D. (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)

Lactation

Not known whether distributed into human milk; discontinue nursing or the drug.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <18 years of age. (See Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.)

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults, but increased sensitivity cannot be ruled out.

Hepatic Impairment

Mild hepatic impairment does not substantially affect pharmacokinetics of romidepsin. Effects of moderate and severe hepatic impairment on pharmacokinetics of romidepsin not known; use with caution in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment

Pharmacokinetics have not been formally studied in patients with renal impairment and end-stage renal disease (see Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics). Use with caution in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Common Adverse Effects

Nausea, asthenia/fatigue, infections, vomiting, anorexia, hypomagnesemia, diarrhea, pyrexia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, dysgeusia, constipation, neutropenia, hypotension, pruritus, hypokalemia, dermatitis/exfoliative dermatitis, hypocalcemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, elevated transaminase concentrations, hypoalbuminemia, ECG changes (ST-T wave changes), hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypermagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, and hyperuricemia.

Drug Interactions

Metabolized principally by CYP3A4, and to a lesser extent, by CYP3A5, CYP1A1, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19.

Does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4.

Substrate of P-glycoprotein.

Drugs Affecting or Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Inhibitors of CYP3A4: potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased plasma romidepsin concentrations). Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, if possible. Use caution during concomitant administration of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Inducers of CYP3A4: potential pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased plasma romidepsin concentrations). Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inducers, if possible.

Drugs Affecting P-glycoprotein Transport

Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein: potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased plasma romidepsin concentrations likely). Use with caution.

Drugs that Prolong QT Interval

Potential pharmacologic interaction (additive effect on QT-interval prolongation); avoid concomitant use of other drugs known to prolong the corrected QT (QT_c) interval. (See ECG Changes under Cautions.)

Specific Drugs

Romidepsin Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Exhibits linear pharmacokinetics across dosages ranging from 1–24.9 mg/m² when given as an IV infusion over 4 hours in patients with advanced cancers. No accumulation of plasma romidepsin concentrations observed after repeated dosing.

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether distributed into human milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

92–94% (mainly to α₁-acid glycoprotein).

Elimination

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized, principally by CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP3A5, CYP1A1, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19.

Half-life

Terminal half-life is approximately 3 hours.

Special Populations

In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, pharmacokinetics of romidepsin not substantially affected by mild hepatic impairment.

In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, pharmacokinetics not substantially affected by mild (Cl_cr of 50–80 mL/minute), moderate (Cl_cr of 30–50 mL/minute), or severe (Cl_cr <30 mL/minute) renal impairment. Effect of end-stage renal disease on romidepsin pharmacokinetics not studied.

Age, gender, or race did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of romidepsin in a population pharmacokinetic analysis. In a limited number of pediatric patients (aged from 2–21 years), pharmacokinetics of romidepsin were similar to those reported in adults in a phase I trial.

Stability

Storage

Parenteral

Powder for Injection

Store commercially available kit containing romidepsin vial and diluent vial in the original carton at 20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Reconstituted solutions with concentrations of 5 mg/mL are stable at room temperature for up to 8 hours. Diluted solutions are stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours, but should be administered as soon after dilution as possible. Diluted romidepsin solution is compatible in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyethylene (PE) infusion bags and glass bottles.

Compatibility

Parenteral

Solution Compatibility1

Actions

• Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor; antineoplastic agent. Bicyclic depsipeptide isolated from the bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum.

• Precise mechanism of antineoplastic effect not fully characterized. However, HDACs catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from acetylated lysine residues in histones, resulting in modulation of gene expression. HDACs also deacetylate non-histone proteins, such as transcription factors.

• In vitro, romidepsin restores the acetylation of histones, resulting in accumulation of acetylated histones, and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ (concentration of the drug required to inhibit cell growth by 50%) values in the nanomolar range.

Advice to Patients

• Importance of instructing patients to read the patient information carefully before starting therapy and before each treatment.

• Importance of instructing patients to report excessive nausea or vomiting.

• Risk of low blood cell counts. Importance of informing patient that regular blood tests will be performed during therapy and of notifying a clinician if unusual bleeding or bruising, tiredness, pallor, shortness of breath, infection, fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, burning on urination, muscle aches, and/or worsening of skin problems occurs.

• Risk of ECG changes; importance of informing patient that an ECG test may be performed as needed to check for possible changes. Importance of notifying clinician immediately if abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath occurs.

• Importance of informing women of childbearing potential that romidepsin may reduce effectiveness of estrogen-containing contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills, patches, implants, IUDs).

• Importance of women informing their clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed. Advise pregnant women of potential risk to the fetus.

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription (e.g., anticoagulants, estrogen-containing contraceptives) and OTC drugs and herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses.

• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

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