Alvocidib (flavopiridol) Vorinostat (Zolinza)

Alvocidib (flavopiridol)

Definition from the NCI drug dictionary: Alvocidib (flavopiridol) is a synthetic N-methylpiperidinyl chlorophenyl flavone compound. As an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase, alvocidib induces cell cycle arrest by preventing phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by down-regulating cyclin D1 and D3 expression, resulting in G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This agent is also a competitive inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate activity.

Sanofi-Aventis is developing this drug.  Alvocidib is in numerous clinical trials for various types of cancer, both as a single agent and in combination trials.  Some trials most relevant to GIST are listed below.

Vorinostat and Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Phase I, NCT00324480

Gemcitabine and Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Solid Tumors
Phase I, NCT00072436


Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Phase I, NCT00112684