Belinostat is a cancer medicine that you get by IV infusion in a clinic. It is an HDAC inhibitor that helps slow or stop cancer cell growth. You will have regular blood tests while on this drug.
Brand Name(s)
- Beleodaq (US)
Warning(s)
- Allergies: Do not use if you have had a severe allergy to belinostat or any of its ingredients.
- Infections: Tell your care team if you have any active infection or fever before treatment.
- Kidney or liver problems: Share any history of kidney or liver disease. You may need closer monitoring.
- Blood counts: This drug can lower your red cells, white cells, and platelets. Low counts can lead to anemia, infections, or bleeding.
- Bleeding risk: You may bruise or bleed more easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
- Infection risk: Wash hands often and avoid people who are sick. Call right away for fever or signs of infection.
- Liver damage: Can be serious and rarely life-threatening. Watch for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, right-sided belly pain, severe nausea, or unusual tiredness.
- Electrolyte changes: Low potassium and other changes can happen. Your team will check labs.
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): A rare but serious reaction when cancer cells break down quickly. Know the signs listed below.
- Heart rhythm: Report fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
- Pregnancy and birth control: Can harm an unborn baby. Get a pregnancy test before starting. Use birth control during treatment and after the last dose (women: 6 months; men with partners who can become pregnant: 3 months).
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
- Fertility: This drug may affect the ability to father a child. Talk with your care team if this is a concern.
- Drug interactions: Tell your team about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use.
Get urgent help if you have:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash; hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing.
- Signs of infection: fever, chills, sore throat, cough with colored mucus, mouth sores, burning with urination, or a wound that will not heal.
- Signs of bleeding: black or bloody stools; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up or throwing up blood; gum bleeding; unusual bruising.
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Very pale skin, shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Possible liver problems: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea or belly pain.
- Possible TLS: fast or abnormal heartbeat, fainting, trouble passing urine, muscle cramps or weakness, bad nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or extreme fatigue.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)
Note: Researchers are studying belinostat in other cancers, but the main approved use in the US is PTCL.
Mechanism of Action
- Belinostat is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor.
- It increases acetylation of proteins in cancer cells. This changes gene activity, slows cell growth, and can trigger cancer cell death.
- The result is less tumor growth and, in some cases, tumor shrinkage.
Common Side Effects
- Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Tiredness, weakness, or dizziness
- Headache
- Fever
- Pain, redness, or tenderness where the IV goes in
- Changes in blood counts (anemia, low white cells, low platelets) — your team will monitor with blood tests
Not everyone has side effects. Many are mild and manageable. Tell your care team if symptoms are severe, do not go away, or worry you.
Learn more about belinostat on MedlinePlus
Last reviewed: 2025-12-15
