Bendamustine

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Bendamustine is an anti-cancer medicine that prevents tumor cells from dividing. It is used in chemotherapy and belongs to the group of alkylating cytostatics. Areas of application are, for example, leukemia and lymphomas. Here you can read everything you need to know about the use, mode of action and side effects of bendamustine.

This is how bendamustine works

Bendamustine is an active ingredient that is used in cancer therapy (chemotherapy). As a representative of the alkylating cytostatics, the active ingredient fights tumor cells by irreversibly changing the molecular structure of the genetic material (DNA) of tumor cells. The cells can then no longer divide and multiply.

Bendamustine uptake, breakdown and excretion

The active ingredient is delivered directly into the bloodstream as an infusion. There it binds to a large extent to plasma proteins (preferably to albumin) and is thus distributed throughout the body.

The cytostatic is broken down in the liver. Already 40 minutes after the infusion, half of the active ingredient is converted into ineffective intermediate stages, which are then excreted in the stool.

When is bendamustine used?

Bendamustine is used to treat malignant tumor diseases. Examples:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

This is how bendamustine is used

Bendamustine is given to the patient as an infusion over a period of 30 to 60 minutes, usually on two consecutive days and then repeated at intervals of several weeks. The dosage depends on the body surface. The cytostatic drug can be given alone (as monotherapy) or together with other cancer drugs.

What are the side effects of bendamustine?

Common bendamustine side effects are blood disorders such as leukopenia (lack of white blood cells) or platelet penia (lack of blood platelets). It also leads to insomnia, cardiac dysfunction, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, constipation and inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis) are also possible. In addition, fever, pain, chills, and loss of appetite may occur. Occasionally, fluid collects in the pericardium (pericardial effusion).

Patients rarely have an allergic reaction to bendamustine. In very rare cases this can lead to an anaphylactic shock. The nervous system can also be impaired, which can manifest itself, for example, in taste disturbances, painful body sensations and numbness. Acute circulatory failure is also possible.

Treatment with the cytostatic drug very rarely results in multi-organ failure, infertility and reduced cardiac function up to and including heart failure.

What should be considered when using bendamustine?

Anyone who is known to be allergic to bendamustine or other alkylating cytostatics must not be treated with the active ingredient. The cytostatic agent must also not be administered in the case of severe liver dysfunction or jaundice.

Patients with an abnormal blood count (such as a lack of white blood cells or coagulation factors) should only receive the cytostatic drug under close medical supervision. Caution is also advised before a yellow fever vaccination and major surgery.

Breastfeeding and pregnancy

Bendamustine must not be given during pregnancy because there is a risk of potentially fatal malformations in the unborn child.

Since it is not known whether bendamustine is excreted in breast milk, the active ingredient must not be used during breastfeeding.