Skip to content

What is selinexor also known as? A look at its names, uses, and mechanism

2 min read

Approved by the FDA in 2019, selinexor is a first-in-class, oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) used to treat specific blood cancers. The generic name for this medication is selinexor, but what is selinexor also known as, and what makes its mechanism of action so unique? This article details its various names and its targeted approach to cancer treatment.

Quick Summary

Selinexor is known by brand names Xpovio and Nexpovio, and the code name KPT-330. It is a targeted cancer therapy that acts as a selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) by blocking the protein Exportin 1 (XPO1). This action traps tumor suppressor proteins inside the nucleus, triggering cancer cell death. It is used to treat multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Key Points

  • Brand Names: Selinexor is known as Xpovio in the US and Nexpovio in the EU.

  • Code Name: During its clinical development, selinexor was identified as KPT-330.

  • Mechanism: It works as a Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) by blocking the protein Exportin 1 (XPO1).

  • Function: By blocking XPO1, selinexor forces tumor-suppressing proteins to remain in the cell's nucleus, leading to cancer cell death.

  • Indications: Selinexor is approved to treat certain types of multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

  • Administration: The medication is taken orally as a tablet, with the dosing schedule depending on the specific cancer being treated.

In This Article

Selinexor's Alternative Names

Selinexor is the generic drug name, but it is known under various other names. Understanding these is important for identification and prescription.

  • Brand Names: In the United States, it is primarily known as Xpovio. In the European Union, the brand name is Nexpovio. Both refer to the same active ingredient.
  • Code Name: During development and testing, it was called KPT-330.
  • Pharmacological Class: Selinexor is the first drug in the Selective Inhibitors of Nuclear Export (SINE) class.

The Mechanism of Action: A Targeted Approach

Selinexor is a targeted therapy that focuses on the protein Exportin 1 (XPO1), also known as CRM1.

The Role of Exportin 1 (XPO1)

XPO1 transports proteins, including tumor suppressors, from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In many cancers, XPO1 is overexpressed, removing these essential proteins from the nucleus and allowing cancer cells to grow.

Selinexor inhibits XPO1, causing tumor suppressor proteins to build up in the nucleus. This leads to:

  • Cell Cycle Arrest: Trapped tumor suppressors halt the cell cycle.
  • Apoptosis Induction: The accumulation triggers programmed cell death in cancer cells.
  • Selective Effect: This primarily affects cancer cells with high XPO1, largely sparing healthy cells.

Indications and Approved Uses

Selinexor is approved for specific blood cancers, often for patients who have not responded to other treatments. It is used for:

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Selinexor is approved for adults with multiple myeloma, typically in combination with other drugs. Selinexor is also used for adults with relapsed or refractory DLBCL after at least two lines of systemic therapy. This indication received accelerated approval based on response rate.

Administration and Common Side Effects

Selinexor is an oral tablet, with dosage varying by cancer type and combination therapy.

For more details on common side effects, consult {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selinexor}.

Selinexor vs. Traditional Chemotherapy

Selinexor differs from traditional chemotherapy in its mechanism and selectivity. Details are available on {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selinexor}.

Conclusion

Understanding what is selinexor also known as and its mechanism provides insight into this targeted therapy for advanced blood cancers. Known as Xpovio and Nexpovio, and by the code KPT-330, selinexor is a SINE inhibitor that traps tumor-suppressing proteins in the nucleus, leading to cancer cell death. It offers a unique approach, especially for patients with multiple myeloma and DLBCL who have exhausted other options. While side effects occur, its targeted nature represents a significant advancement in oncology. More technical details are available from resources like the {Link: National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/selinexor}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selinexor is the generic name for the drug, while Xpovio is the brand name used in the United States. In the European Union, the brand name is Nexpovio. There is no difference in the active ingredient.

KPT-330 is the code name used for selinexor during its development and clinical trial phases. This name is primarily used in research and scientific contexts rather than in clinical practice.

Exportin 1 is a protein that transports other proteins from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm. In many cancers, this process is overactive, and selinexor works by inhibiting XPO1 to trap tumor-suppressing proteins inside the nucleus.

Selinexor is approved for treating adults with multiple myeloma, often in combination with other drugs, and for certain types of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Selinexor is taken orally as a tablet. The dosage and frequency vary depending on the condition being treated and the other medications used in the combination therapy.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, and low blood cell counts (platelets, white blood cells). For more details, consult {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selinexor}.

No, selinexor is a targeted therapy, not a traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. It belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Inhibitors of Nuclear Export (SINE) that specifically target a protein (XPO1) in cancer cells, rather than broadly killing all rapidly dividing cells.

Knowing the different names (generic: selinexor; brand: Xpovio, Nexpovio; code: KPT-330) is important for clear communication between patients and healthcare providers and for accurately interpreting medical and research documents.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.