What is Zydelig used for and how does it work?
In the United States, Zydelig is approved to treat relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in combination with rituximab, where rituximab is appropriate to use taking into account other health conditions a person may have.
In other countries, such as the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, Zydelig is also approved to treat relapsed follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL). Zydelig initially also received accelerated approval to treat FL and relapsed small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in the U.S. in 2014 but this approval was contingent upon further research which has been unable to be undertaken and so approval for these two indications (FL and SLL) in the U.S. was voluntarily withdrawn by the company, Gilead Sciences, Inc., in 2022.
Zydelig cannot be used for first-line treatment of any patient with cancer, including CLL, SLL, FL, or indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas; it is only approved for relapsed CLL in the United States. It should also not be used if bendamustine is being given with rituximab.
How does Zydelig work?
Zydelig works by blocking the effects of an enzyme called PI3K-delta which enables the growth, migration, and survival of white blood cells but is overactive in blood cancers. By blocking the effects of this enzyme, Zydelig causes the cancer cells to die which delays or stops the progression of the cancer.
References
- Zydelig (idelalisib) [Prescribing Information] Updated 03/Gilead Sciences, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/zydelig.html
- Gilead Statement on Zydelig® U.S. Indication for Follicular Lymphoma and Small Lymphocytic Leukemia Foster City, Calif., January 14, 2022
- Gilead https://www.gilead.com/news-and-press/company-statements/gilead-statement-on-zydelig-us-indication-for-follicular-lymphoma-and-small-lymphocytic-leukemia#:~:text=Zydelig%C2%AE%20(idelalisib)%20is%20approved,therapy%20due%20to%20other%20comorbidities.
- Zydelig (idelalisib) European Medicines Agency https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/overview/zydelig-epar-medicine-overview_en.pdf
Read next
Is Zydelig a chemotherapy drug?
Zydelig (idelalisib) is not a chemotherapy drug, but 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). Continue reading
How will I feel after a Rituxan infusion?
After a Rituxan (rituximab) infusion you may experience certain side effects or adverse reactions that make you feel unwell. Common side effects include nausea, infusion-related reactions, and feeling tired. Continue reading
How long does it take for Rituxan to work?
Patients treated with Rituxan may notice an early response within 7-8 weeks of treatment. Most rheumatoid arthritis patients will notice some improvement in their symptoms, such as improvement in their levels of pain and inflammation, within 16 weeks of starting treatment with Rituxan. Continue reading
See also:
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