Study: AML Patients aged 80 to 90 May Benefit from Venetoclax and HMA Combo

A team of researchers at Miami University’s Miller School of Medicine is considering whether to use Venetoclax (VEN) plus a hypomethylating agent (HMA), collectively referred to as VEN-HMA, for their older patients. The researchers contend that their study found a significant number of older patients may benefit from VEN-HMA and therefore they question whether it should be ruled out completely.

Results of the trial found that VEN-HMA prolonged the lives of almost 25% of older patients in the study (aged 80 to 90). The team developed a better understanding of the survival of 154 patients in the study who were treated with VEN-HMA after analyzing their medical records dating from March of 2015 through April 2022. Six medical systems in Italy and the U.S. supplied data for the study.

• 69% of patients in the study were male
• 77% were recently diagnosed
• 10% had were refractory (not responding to treatment)
• 14% had an undiagnosed disease
• 72% had modifications to their dosage

Treating AML can become intensive, often suppressing the immune system. As a result, various complications may arise rendering many older patients ineligible or unable to proceed with intensive treatment regimens.

The Analysis

A further analysis of the medical records indicated that 20 to 25% of patients participating in the group survived 13.2 months of those responding to VEN-HMA versus 8.1 months for the entire study group. A follow-up just short of 8 months found 23% of patients still in remission. The remaining 20% were still undergoing treatment. Biomarkers were also found that could identify patients who may be able to tolerate the treatment.

acute myeloid leukemia AML cancer treatment leukemia research treatment

Last modified: June 4, 2024