Venetoclax
Pronunciation: VEN-eh-toe-klax
A BCL-2 inhibitor that induces apoptosis in malignant B cells, used in CLL and AML treatment.
Full Definition
Venetoclax is an oral targeted therapy that selectively inhibits the BCL-2 protein, which prevents programmed cell death in cancer cells. By blocking BCL-2, venetoclax allows malignant cells to undergo apoptosis naturally. It is FDA-approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients. The drug requires careful dose escalation to prevent tumor lysis syndrome, particularly in patients with high tumor burden. Venetoclax has shown remarkable efficacy in high-risk CLL patients, including those with 17p deletion.
Usage
Usage note: Always document tumor lysis syndrome risk assessment when initiating therapy.
In Context
- "Venetoclax dose escalation was completed over five weeks with weekly monitoring for tumor lysis syndrome." — Treatment initiation protocol
- "The combination of venetoclax and obinutuzumab demonstrated superior progression-free survival compared to chlorambucil-obinutuzumab." — Clinical trial report