What is venetoclax?

Venetoclax is a drug used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It induces apoptosis in cancer cells by inhibiting the BCL-2 protein.

What is venetoclax?

Venetoclax is an oral anticancer drug that works by targeting and inhibiting the BCL-2 protein. The BCL-2 protein can help cancer cells resist natural apoptosis, and venetoclax makes cancer cells more prone to apoptosis by inhibiting this protein, reducing the number of cancer cells in the body.

The role of venetoclax also involves the activation of endogenous mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. This pathway is one of the important pathways of apoptosis, leading to cell death through a series of complex molecular mechanisms. The inhibitory effect of venetoclax can trigger this pathway and accelerate the process of apoptosis in cancer cells.

Who is the special user of venetoclax?

Patients should be aware of the specific population of the drug and follow the doctor's instructions during treatment.

1. Medication for elderly patients

There is no significant difference in the safety and efficacy of venetoclax treatment between elderly and young patients, but considering the physiological particularities of elderly patients, doctors still need to give targeted medication guidance and monitoring according to individual conditions.

2. Patients with impaired renal function

Venetoclax is associated with an increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in patients with decreased renal function (particularly CLcr <80 ml/min), and prophylaxis and surveillance measures are indicated. In patients with mild to severe renal impairment (CLcr≥15 ml/min), dose adjustment is usually not necessary and should be closely monitored.

What are the adverse effects of venetoclax?

It is also inevitable that there will be some potential adverse reactions during the use of venetoclax, including but not limited to the following:

1. Neutropenia

Neutropenia may make patients more susceptible to various infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, etc. In severe cases, the infection can be life-threatening and requires close monitoring and prompt preventive treatment.

2. Thrombocytopenia

Platelets are important cells responsible for blood clotting. This adverse effect may predispose the patient to bleeding, such as subcutaneous bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or more severe visceral bleeding. Clinicians should closely monitor the patient's platelet count and adjust treatment or administer supportive care as needed.

[Warm tips] The use of venetoclax needs to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, and patients should pay close attention to the changes in their condition during the medication process and communicate with the doctor in time to avoid the occurrence of adverse situations.