What are the side effects of venetoclax?

Venetoclax is a novel oral small molecule drug that targets the BCL-2 protein to kill cancer cells by inducing the endogenous apoptotic pathway of tumor cells. In addition to AML, it was first used in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and has been gradually applied in hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM) and lymphoma.

What are the side effects of venetoclax?

In CLL/SLL, the possible adverse effects of venetoclax in combination with obinutuzumab or rituximab or as monotherapy are summarized as follows:

1. Cough, musculoskeletal pain and fatigue

These adverse effects may affect the patient's daily activities and comfort. Appropriate rest, physical therapy, and, if necessary, analgesic medications may be used to relieve symptoms.

2. Edema

Edema may manifest as swelling of various parts of the body (e.g., ankles, eyelids) and may be a side effect of medications, fluid retention, or abnormal heart or kidney function. Your doctor will evaluate the cause of your edema and develop a treatment plan.

What are the indications for venetoclax?

According to the drug label, the indications for venetoclax are organized as follows:

Acute myeloid leukemia

For patients aged 75 years and older with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or those who cannot tolerate intensive induction chemotherapy due to comorbidities, venetoclax may be used in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine. This combination regimen is designed to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of side effects, so that these elderly or frail patients can receive more effective and well-tolerated treatments. By targeting the BCL-2 protein, venetoclax helps remove cancer cells from the body and improves overall treatment outcomes.

Precautions for the use of venetoclax?

When considering venetoclax for treatment, it is important to be aware of the following medication-related considerations:

1. Neutropenia

In combination versus monotherapy involving chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), up to 63% to 64% of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, which occurred in 31% to 33% of patients. Another 4% to 6% of patients develop neutropenia with fever, further increasing the risk of infection.

2. Risk of tumor lysis syndrome

During venetoclax treatment, some patients experience tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a serious complication that includes life-threatening conditions and cases that lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis.

[Warm tips] Patients should strictly follow the doctor's guidance when using venetoclax, pay attention to the side effects and interactions of the drug, and have regular examinations.