Oral bexarotene in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

OBJECTIVE: To review the preclinical and clinical information related to oral bexarotene approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma ((CTCL) in patents who are refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy. DATA SOURCES: Literature accessed through MEDLINE (from 1990 to July 2000) and provided by the manufacturer. Key search terms included bexarotene, Targretin, LGD1069, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. DATA SYNTHESIS: The management of CTCL remains controversial due to its rarity in the US and its heterogeneity. An evaluation focusing on the pharmacology of bexarotene and its role in the management of the different stages of CTCL was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Bexarotene has demonstrated activity in the treatment of CTCL. The oral route of administration and the adverse effect profile of bexarotene appear to make this drug a favorable option for the treatment of CTCL compared with other systemic therapies. Phase III randomized studies are needed to determine the clinical benefits of bexarotene as monotherapy or combination therapy in the treatment of CTCL.