Vorinostat
Vorinostat is an antineoplastic medication classified as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor used primarily for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients whose disease has progressed, persisted, or recurred following at least one prior systemic therapy. By inhibiting HDAC enzymes, vorinostat promotes acetylation of histones and other proteins, leading to altered gene expression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in cancer cells.
Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who have failed prior systemic therapy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XH01
- RxNorm
- 194337
- Generic
- Vorinostat
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Zolinza
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients with progressive, persistent, or recurrent disease on or following at least one systemic therapy.
Inhibits histone deacetylases (HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3 from Class I and HDAC6 from Class II) at nanomolar concentrations (IC50 <86 nM), preventing removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues on histone proteins, thereby altering gene expression and inducing cell differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in malignant cells.
Common adverse effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, and hematologic toxicities including thrombocytopenia and anemia. Regular monitoring of blood counts and electrolytes is recommended. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing hepatic or renal impairment. May cause fetal harm if administered during pregnancy.
Official drug label
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy