Single Agent Chemotherapy

Pentostatin
Brand name: Nipent®
Other name: Deoxycoformycin

A kind of antibiotic, pentostatin is only used for chemotherapy, and helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Pentostatin has been used as a single agent for the treatment of advanced stages (Stage III and IV) of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Related drugs like fludarabine (Fludara)‚ or 2-deoxychloroadenosine (2-CDA, cladribine, Leustatin‚) have also been used in the treatment of advanced CTCL.

Pentostatin is delivered by intravenous infusion.  It is usually administered once every one to two weeks.  

Pentostatin may cause nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, fatigue and cough soon after administration. Later side effects may include kidney damage, a temporary decrease in bone marrow function (decreased white and/or red blood cells, and/or platelets), increased infections, abnormal liver function which returns to normal after the drug is stopped, problems with eyes and/or ears, or rash and sensitivity to light.