What is Bendeka and How Does It Work?
Bendeka is a chemotherapy drug, a specific formulation of bendamustine hydrochloride, used to treat certain types of blood cancers. It is classified as an alkylating agent, a class of cancer medicines that works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. This damage ultimately prevents the cancer cells from dividing and growing, leading to their death.
Bendamustine has a unique structure, combining features of alkylating agents and purine analogs. This allows it to target cancer cells at different phases of the cell cycle, making it effective against both resting and actively dividing malignant cells. DNA damage occurs through alkylation, which forms crosslinks between DNA bases, triggering cell death.
Approved Uses for Bendeka
Bendeka is approved by the FDA to treat specific types of cancer in adults.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
CLL is a blood cancer characterized by an overproduction of lymphocytes. Bendeka is indicated for treating adult patients with CLL.
Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
NHL is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system and lymphocytes. Bendeka is approved for indolent B-cell NHL in adults whose disease has progressed after treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.
How Bendeka is Administered
Bendeka is given intravenously (IV) by a healthcare professional. Treatment involves cycles, with dosage and duration depending on the cancer type and individual patient factors.
Administration details include:
- Infusion time: Approximately 10 minutes, shorter than its predecessor, Treanda.
- Treatment cycles: The number and frequency of cycles are determined by the healthcare provider.
- Monitoring: Blood counts are regularly checked for myelosuppression, and doses may be adjusted or delayed based on these results and the patient's response.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Bendeka can cause side effects, some severe. Healthcare providers closely monitor patients.
Common side effects (≥15%) for NHL may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Cough
- Headache
- Weight loss
Serious side effects can include:
- Myelosuppression: Low blood cell counts increase risks of infection and bleeding.
- Severe Infusion Reactions: Symptoms can occur during or after infusion.
- Infections: Increased susceptibility, including viral reactivation.
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Rapid breakdown of cancer cells can be life-threatening.
- Skin Reactions: Severe reactions like SJS and TEN have been reported.
- Extravasation: Leakage from the vein can cause severe tissue damage.
Bendeka vs. Treanda: A Modern Formulation
Bendeka is a newer formulation of bendamustine hydrochloride, replacing Treanda in 2016. Both have the same active ingredient and indications, but Bendeka offers advantages, as detailed below:
| Feature | Bendeka | Treanda |
|---|---|---|
| Infusion Time | 10 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Formulation | Ready-to-dilute (RTD) solution | Powder for reconstitution |
| Infusion Volume | Typically 50 mL infusion bag | Typically 500 mL infusion bag |
| Compatibility | Compatible with polycarbonate and ABS-containing equipment | Incompatible with polycarbonate and ABS-containing equipment due to DMA solvent |
| Solvent | Propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400, monothioglycerol | N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) |
| Side Effect Profile | Similar | Similar |
Conclusion
Bendeka, an updated bendamustine formulation, is a key treatment for certain blood cancers. As an alkylating agent, it targets and damages cancer cell DNA in CLL and indolent B-cell NHL. Due to potential serious side effects like myelosuppression and infection, treatment necessitates close medical supervision. Consistent monitoring helps manage toxicity and optimize patient outcomes.
For more information on Bendeka and other cancer treatments, please consult {Link: FDA website https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/208194s026lbl.pdf}.
