What do I need to pay attention to when using venetoclax?

Venetoclax is an oral, small-molecule targeted drug that restores the apoptosis ability of cancer cells by blocking the Bcl-2 protein. It is approved for the treatment of CLL, SLL and combination therapy for AML.

What do I need to pay attention to when using venetoclax?

Venetoclax plays an important role in the treatment of a variety of diseases, and precautions during use should also be taken into account.

1. Immunization

Before, during, or after venetoclax treatment, live attenuated vaccines are not recommended until B cells return to normal. The safety and efficacy of live attenuated vaccines given during or after venetoclax treatment have not been studied, and vaccination with such vaccines may reduce prophylaxis.

2. Neutropenia

Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia is likely in 63% to 64% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) during treatment with venetoclax, and 31% to 33% of patients develop grade 4 neutropenia. Febrile neutropenia occurs in 4% to 6% of patients. This condition can increase the risk of infection.

What are the indications for venetoclax?

Understanding the indications and applicable population of the drug can assist patients in taking drugs, according to the drug label, the indications for venetoclax are as follows.

1. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma

Venetoclax is indicated for adult patients and is primarily used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

2. Acute myeloid leukemia

Venetoclax may be used in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine for adults aged 75 years and older who have a newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or who are unable to tolerate intensive induction chemotherapy due to poor health.

What is the dosage of venetoclax?

According to the drug label, patients can refer to the following dosage requirements when using venetoclax:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

For patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, venetoclax is typically treated with a 5-week escalating dose regimen to 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, 200 mg daily in week 4, and 400 mg daily dose in week 5 and beyond.

[Warm tips] The use of venetoclax needs to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, and the doctor will formulate a personalized treatment plan according to the specific situation of the patient.