Video

The Number of Women Having Strokes is Rising

Preventative Mastectomy

Cases of Gestational Diabetes Are On the Rise

Nintendo Wii Could Be Therapy for Stroke Victims

Single Men Have An Increased Risk for Stroke

Fatty Foods Could Lead to Stroke in Older Women

Woman Gives Birth After Ovary Transplant

Cancer Foundation Raises Money for Neuroblastoma

Too Much Weight Gain During Pregnancy Could Lead to Diabetes

New CT Scanners Use 90% Less Radiation

Music Education Can Shape a Child's Sensory System

Food Warning Labels Could Help Prevent Choking Hazards

Acupuncture May Relieve Depression in Pregnant Women

The Economy Could Lower Life Expectancy

HPV Can Be Studied On Dolphins

Istodax Approved for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Posted on 11/06/2009, 15:32
By -- Scott Roberts

It's a disfiguring cancer affecting the skin

FRIDAY, Nov. 6 (HealthDay News) -- The Gloucester Pharmaceuticals drug Istodax (romidepsin) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in people who have tried at least one prior systemic therapy, the drug's manufacturer said in a news release.

CTCL is a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the germ-fighting lymphatic system. The cancerous cells of the skin can cause itchy, disfiguring patches, and the cancer may involve other organs including the lymph nodes, blood and viscera, the drug maker said.

Blood parameters should be carefully monitored while people take Istodax, and since it can harm a fetus, the drug shouldn't be taken by pregnant women, Gloucester said. Istodax also may interfere will some contraceptives that contain estrogen, the company warned.

Approval of Istodax followed two clinical studies of 167 patients, Gloucester said. The drug is expected to be available in January.

More information

There's more about this drug's history at the FDA.

More news in Leukemia...

BigHealthTree.com Disclaimer

Bighealthtree.com Does Not Provide Medical Advice. This site, including the above information, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health or medical professional before starting any new treatment, changing existing treatment, or altering your current exercise and/or diet program. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 (or the emergency services in your area) or your doctor immediately.

Rating: 3.0 / 5 (95 votes)