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Belinostat

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Belinostat is an anticancer medication classified as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, primarily used to treat relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. It works by blocking enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histones, leading to accumulation of acetylated histones and proteins that trigger cell cycle arrest and cancer cell death.

Quick summary

Belinostat is a targeted cancer therapy that inhibits HDAC enzymes to stop the growth of certain types of T-cell lymphoma.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L01XH04
RxNorm
1543543
Generic
Belinostat
Class
atc-l01
Brands
Beleodaq
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity - significantly higher than the standard 1000 mg/m² dosing
Chronic overdose: Prolonged exposure leading to cumulative bone marrow suppression and liver toxicity
Immediate actions
Discontinue infusion, monitor vital signs, provide supportive care including IV fluids, treat symptoms
Antidote
No specific antidote exists(Supportive care is the primary treatment - no specific antidote proven effective)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

11 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and assessment for preterm labor

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue nursing

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

pediatric_age

children under 18
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients; use only in clinical trials

Monitor

closely monitor growth and development if used

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 and older
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment required but monitor for increased susceptibility to adverse effects

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function, hepatic function, and hematologic parameters

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment; monitor renal function

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function and electrolytes

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution in severe renal impairment; consider dose reduction based on tolerability

Monitor

frequent monitoring of renal function and drug-related adverse effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment for mild hepatic impairment; monitor hepatic function

Monitor

regular monitoring of liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment for moderate hepatic impairment; monitor closely

Monitor

frequent monitoring of liver function tests and bilirubin

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use in severe hepatic impairment unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

frequent hepatic function monitoring if used

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2014

FDA approval for treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor

Mechanism of action classification

usageFDA
2023

Approved indication

Value:Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

Therapeutic indication

administrationFDA
2023

Route of administration

Value:Intravenous infusion

Method of drug delivery

Belinostat is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

As an HDAC inhibitor, belinostat blocks histone deacetylase enzymes, preventing the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues on histones and other proteins. This accumulation of acetylated histones alters gene expression, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes apoptosis in cancer cells.

Belinostat is administered via intravenous infusion and carries risks of serious side effects including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and blood disorders. Regular monitoring of blood counts and liver function is required during treatment. It should only be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals experienced in cancer chemotherapy.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy