Venetoclax: A new wave in hematooncology

Exp Hematol. 2018 May:61:10-25. doi: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.02.002. Epub 2018 Mar 2.

Abstract

Inhibitors of antiapoptotic proteins of the BCL2 family can successfully restart the deregulated process of apoptosis in malignant cells. Whereas nonselective agents have been limited by their affinity to different BCL2 members, thus inducing excessive toxicity, the highly selective BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199, Venclexta™) has an acceptable safety profile. To date, it has been approved in monotherapy for the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion. Extension of indications can be expected in monotherapy and in combination regimens. Sensitivity to venetoclax is not common in lymphomas, but promising outcomes have been achieved in the mantle cell lymphoma group. Venetoclax is also active in multiple myeloma patients, especially in those with translocation t(11;14), even if high-risk features such as del17p are also present. Surprisingly, positive results are being obtained in elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients, in whom inhibition of BCL2 is able to substantially increase the efficacy of low-dose cytarabine or hypomethylating agents. Here, we provide a summary of available results from clinical trials and describe a specific mechanism of action that stands behind the efficacy of venetoclax in hematological malignancies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / pharmacology
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / drug therapy
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Sulfonamides
  • venetoclax