Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Treanda (BENDAMUSTINE)

Treanda works by attaching an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells, interfering with their ability to replicate and grow.

Treanda (Bendamustine) is a small molecule alkylating drug that targets histone deacetylase 6. It was originally developed by Cephalon and is now owned by Baxter Healthcare Corp. Treanda is FDA-approved for the treatment of various types of lymphoma, including chronic lymphoid leukemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and indolent B-cell lymphoma. The drug is off-patent and has multiple generic manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its short half-life of 0.41 hours.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Bendamustine is bifunctional mechlorethamine derivative containing purine-like benzimidazole ring. Mechlorethamine and its derivatives form electrophilic alkyl groups. These groups form covalent bonds with electron-rich nucleophilic moieties, resulting in interstrand DNA crosslinks. The bifunctional covalent linkage can lead to cell death via several pathways. Bendamustine is active against both quiescent and dividing cells. The exact mechanism of action of bendamustine remains unknown.

Approved indications

• Chronic lymphoid leukemia, disease
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma refractory
• Follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Indolent B-Cell Lymphoma
• Treatment prior to tumor-specific T-cell infusion therapy

Common side effects

• Pyrexia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Asthenia
• Diarrhea
• Weight decreased
• Hyperuricemia
• Cough
• Rash
• Hypersensitivity
• Nasopharyngitis

Drug interactions

• omeprazole

Key clinical trials

• A Study of Zilovertamab Vedotin (MK-2140) in Combination With Standard of Care in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (rrDLBCL) (MK-2140-003) (PHASE2,PHASE3)
• Rituximab and Bendamustine Hydrochloride, Rituximab and Ibrutinib, or Ibrutinib Alone in Treating Older Patients With Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (PHASE3)
• Obinutuzumab With or Without Umbralisib, Lenalidomide, or Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Grade I-IIIa Follicular Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• A Study of DZD8586 Versus Investigator's Choice in r/r CLL/SLL (TAI-SHAN6) (PHASE3)
• CD20 Monoclonal Antibody-Based First-Line Therapy in Treatment-Naive Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma
• A Phase III Trial Comparing Tisagenlecleucel to Standard of Care (SoC) in Adult Participants With r/r Follicular Lymphoma (PHASE3)
• A Comparison of Three Chemotherapy Regimens for the Treatment of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Mantle Cell Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• Rituxan/Bendamustine/PCI-32765 in Relapsed DLBCL, MCL, or Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (PHASE1)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.