Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology
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Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol · May 2019
ReviewVenetoclax in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Venetoclax, an antagonist of BCL-2 protein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed/refractory CLL with del17p, and by the EMA for patients with del17p/TP53 mutation who have failed a BCR inhibitor, or in patients without those aberrations who have failed previous therapy, regardless of their genetic/molecular profile. Venetoclax in combination with rituximab has been also approved for the treatment of CLL after at least 1 prior therapy, regardless of del17p. ⋯ The proceedings of the American Society of Hematology held during the last five years were also included. Expert opinion: Venetoclax shows high efficacy, a favorable toxicity profile, and a high rate of minimal residual disease negativity, which is thought to have an impact on overall survival. It is efficient in patients with del17p/TP53 mutations, the incidence of which increases during clonal CLL evolution, and after the failure of BCR pathway inhibitors.