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.
References
- Zydelig (idelalisib) prescribing information. Gilead. Foster City, CA. Accessed Mar 7, 2023 at https://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/oncology/zydelig/zydelig_pi.pdf
Read next
How does the drug Rituxan work?
Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of B-cells, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. By binding to CD20, Rituxan helps eliminate these cells, which is beneficial in treating certain cancers and autoimmune disorders. Continue reading
What is the difference between Truxima and Rituxan?
Truxima (rituximab-abbs) is a biosimilar to Rituxan (rituximab). While both drugs are CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), Rituxan has additional FDA-approved indications beyond NHL. Continue reading
Is Venclexta (venetoclax) chemotherapy?
Venclexta (venetoclax) is a targeted treatment rather than a type of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is defined as a drug treatment that kills fast-growing cells in your body. Venclexta works by binding to a specific protein called BCL-2 which is overexpressed on cancerous cells in people with cancers such as AML and CLL. By binding to this protein Venclexta kills cancerous CLL and AML lymphocytes, in preference to other fast-growing cells. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Zydelig Information for Consumers
- Zydelig prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Zydelig (detailed)
- Zydelig user reviews (2)
Related support groups
- Zydelig (2 questions, 5 members)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (27 questions, 57 members)