What are the results of venetoclax?

By binding to BCL-2 protein, venetoclax inhibits the obstruction of apoptosis of tumor cells and effectively kills cancer cells. Venetoclax was approved by the NMPA in 2020 for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia in combination with azacitidine. It was first used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and now it is also used for the treatment of multiple myeloma and other hematologic cancers.

What are the results of venetoclax?

Many patients who are eligible for venetoclax treatment are very concerned about the therapeutic effect of the drug, and the clinical trial data is summarized as follows:

Venetoclax in combination with obinutuzumab in patients with CLL has been remarkable, prolonging overall survival, significantly increasing MRD negativity, and achieving deep and durable remission.

This combination regimen was well tolerated by patients. It provides an effective and safe treatment option for patients with CLL.

What is the dosage of venetoclax?

In addition to efficacy, patients should also focus on understanding the dosage of the drug and follow the doctor's instructions for using the drug on time.

1. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

For patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, venetoclax is typically given a 5-week escalating dose regimen to gradually reduce tumor burden and reduce the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).

The dosage schedule is as follows: 20 mg daily in week 1, 50 mg daily in week 2, 100 mg daily in week 3, and 200 mg daily in week 4. From week 5 onwards, patients are given 400 mg orally daily.

2. Precautions

During the dose escalation phase, the dose should be continued for one week after the interruption and then gradually increased in dose. If the dose interruption lasts longer than one week (during the dose escalation phase) or more than two weeks (after the dose escalation is completed), the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) needs to be reassessed and a decision is made as to whether treatment needs to be restarted at a reduced dose.

Venetoclax for special populations?

Knowing the specific population of the drug can help patients reduce the risk of avoidable drug use.

1. Renal insufficiency

Patients with renal insufficiency are at higher risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) when venetoclax is used. These patients require more rigorous precautions and monitoring to reduce the risk of TLS before initiating treatment.

For patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal insufficiency, there is no need to adjust the dose of venetoclax at this time.

2. Pregnant women

The safety of venetoclax in pregnant women has not been established. Pregnant women should avoid venetoclax because the drug may cause harm to the embryo or fetus. There are no specific data on the risk of taking venetoclax in pregnant women, and it is recommended to avoid this drug during pregnancy.

[Warm tips] Patients should pay attention to follow the doctor's medication instructions, take venetoclax on time and in the right amount, and should not change the dosage or stop the drug at will.