← Search & browse all drugs
ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS › OTHER ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS › Retinoids for cancer treatment
alitretinoin
L01XF02
Forms & Strengths
- Topical gel: 0.1% (60 g tube)
Adult Dosing
- Topical: Apply gel twice daily to cutaneous lesions
- Frequency may be increased to 3-4 times daily if well tolerated and lesions persist
- Continue treatment until lesions resolve or for up to 24 weeks
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients (<18 years) have not been established
Indications
- Topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
- Not indicated when systemic anti-Kaposi's sarcoma therapy is required
Mechanism of Action
- Binds to and activates all known intracellular retinoid acid receptor (RAR) subtypes (alpha, beta, gamma)
- Induces cellular differentiation and decreases proliferation in human Kaposi's sarcoma cell lines
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to alitretinoin or other retinoids
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Do not use in presence of open wounds or concurrent systemic anti-Kaposi's sarcoma therapy
Adverse Reactions
- Application site reactions (rash, pruritus, erythema, pain, exfoliation)
- Contact dermatitis
- Edema at application site
- Pain
Drug Interactions
- Vitamin A and other retinoids (additive toxicities)
- Topical products containing alcohol, spices, or lime (increased skin irritation)
- DEET-containing insect repellents (potential increased systemic absorption)
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use