420 POSTER A phase I clinical trial of belinostat (PXD101) in combination with doxorubicin (BelDox) in advanced solid tumours, including soft tissue sarcomas (STS)

Belinostat: clinical applications in solid tumors and lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have recently emerged as a novel and active class of anticancer agents. Belinostat is one member of the class that has been tested as a single agent and in combination with other chemotherapies and biological agents in the treatment of solid tumors and lymphoma.

AREAS COVERED

A literature search of pre-clinical and clinical studies of belinostat was performed. The data from these studies were analysed to summarise the progress of belinostat from Phase I to a current pivotal trial in peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The parallel development of appropriate biomarker analysis is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Belinostat has demonstrated significant clinical activity in T-cell lymphomas. Although its activity as a single agent in solid tumors has been less compelling, the emerging results from combination trials are promising. However, the basis for the activity of belinostat, like that of other HDAC inhibitors, remains to be truly defined and the identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers of activity should be established to further progress the development of this compound.

Belinostat: a new broad acting antineoplastic histone deacetylase inhibitor

Belinostat is a potent hydroxamate-type histone deacetylase inhibitor with a broad antineoplastic activity in a spectrum of preclinical tumor models and with demonstrated clinical efficacy in the still very early clinical trial program. Belinostat has been relatively well tolerated following both i.v. (from 30-min daily infusion to 48-h continuous infusion) and oral administration, and, since no or only minor bone marrow toxicity has been encountered, it has combined well with other antineoplastic agents in full doses. The clinical trial program needs to be advanced further before the final position of belinostat in the therapeutic anticancer armamentarium can be determined.