bexarotene

bexarotene /bex·ar·o·tene/ (bek-sar´ah-tēn) a retinoid used as an antineoplastic in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and the cutaneous lesions of T-cell lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma.

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bexarotene,

a second-generation retinoid.

indications This drug is prescribed for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Investigational uses include treatment of breast cancer.

contraindications Pregnancy and known hypersensitivity to retinoids prohibit bexarotene's use.

adverse effects Life-threatening adverse reactions include acute pancreatitis, leukopenia, and neutropenia. Other serious side effects include asthenia, infection, anemia, and hypothyroidism. Among the drug's common side effects are headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

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bexarotene [bek-sar´ah-tēn]

a retinoid that modulates transcription and expression of genes involved in cellular differentiation and proliferation; used as an antineoplastic in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, administered orally. It is also used topically in the treatment of cutaneous lesions of T-cell lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma.