Bendamustine for indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the front-line or relapsed setting: a review of pharmacokinetics and clinical trial outcomes

Bendamustine is an agent with mostly alkylating properties, which acts on dividing cells through multiple pathways. As an agent with little cross-resistance with other chemotherapeutic agents, bendamustine has received approval for second-line use in relapsed/refractory indolent lymphomas. A growing body of data showing good efficacy and acceptable tolerability of bendamustine in first-line use has led to recognition that this agent has an important role in this setting. This article outlines the pharmacology and clinical studies supporting the use of bendamustine and discusses the role of this agent in the first- and second-line treatment of indolent lymphomas.