Minimal tumor lysis syndrome was observed with venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Venetoclex Plus Hypomethylating Agents Shows Promising Results in MDS Patients
A recent retrospective study presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH) explored the effectiveness of combining venetoclax (Venclexta) with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in treating adult patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
The researchers found that this combination therapy led to significantly better outcomes compared to HMAs alone. Patients treated with this combination therapy experienced a higher rate of complete response (CR) at 33% compared to 12% in the HMA monotherapy group.
Furthermore, the combination therapy demonstrated an improvement in event-free survival (EFS), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.44-0.78; P < .001).
Encouraging Response Rates Even After HMA Failure
The study also revealed encouraging results when venetoclax was added to treatment after patients had already failed HMA therapy. In this scenario, 10% achieved a CR and 32% achieved a marrow CR, showcasing the potential of this combination even in patients who haven’t responded well to initial HMA treatment.
Minimal Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) Observed
A key benefit of this combination therapy was the minimal occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Only one patient experienced clinical TLS, with 6.2% displaying lab-only TLS. The vast majority of patients (92.9%) remained TLS-free. The most common adverse event observed was febrile neutropenia, occurring in 34.2% of patients receiving upfront venetoclax therapy.
Long-Term Outcomes & Response Duration
The study also analyzed long-term outcomes, including overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The median OS was 12.6 months, with patients achieving marrow CR experiencing a longer median OS of 14.8 months. The median PFS and EFS were 8.6 months and 6.9 months, respectively.
The duration of response (DOR) was promising, with a median of 8.6 months for patients who responded to the treatment.
Understanding the Full Picture
While these results are encouraging, it’s crucial to note that this was a retrospective study. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these findings and fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of combining venetoclax with HMAs for treating MDS.
For More Information About MDS and Treatment Options, Consult Your Physician