RELAPSED/REFRACTORY PATIENTS:

TREATMENT OPTIONS


Zolinza® (vorinostat)


What is Zolinza?

Zolinza (vorinostat) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor being developed by Merck. Some cancer cells display excess HDAC activity, which inhibits the expression of genes that regulate cell growth. In laboratory studies, Zolinza has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and to induce cell death.

Other names for Zolinza are SAHA (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) and MK0683. Zolinza is given once a day with food.

What do we know about Zolinza’s activity in myeloma?

Laboratory and animal studies show that Zolinza displays additive, and often synergistic, activity when combined with Velcade® (bortezomib), melphalan, or Revlimid® (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone.

Several phase I studies have been conducted with Zolinza in relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. Preliminary data show that:

  • The combination of Zolinza and Velcade appears to be active, even in some patients who have previously received Velcade and stopped responding.
  • The combination of Zolinza, Revlimid, and dexamethasone appears to be an active oral regimen that is well tolerated.

How is Zolinza currently being studied in myeloma?

Zolinza is being studied in a number of clinical trials in relapsed and/or refractory myeloma, including:

  • A Phase III trial in combination with Velcade
  • A Phase II trial in combination with Velcade, which is being facilitated by the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC)
  • A Phase I study in combination with Revlimid and dexamethasone
  • A Phase I study in combination with Velcade and Doxil® (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection)

In addition, Zolinza is being evaluated as maintenance therapy in patients who have undergone autologous stem cell transplant:

  • A Phase II trial in combination with Velcade
  • A Phase I trial in combination with Revlimid

Click here to go to the MMRF Clinical Trial Matching Service.