Efficacy

Venclyxto/Venclexta (Venetoclax) Efficacy in Leukemia

Venclyxto, also known as Venclexta in the United States, is a targeted therapy drug containing the active substance venetoclax. It is specifically designed to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. Venetoclax works by selectively inhibiting the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein, which supports cancer cell survival. By blocking this protein, venetoclax triggers the death of CLL cells and has shown significant efficacy in patients with this condition, particularly in those with a specific genetic mutation known as 17p deletion, who are typically more difficult to treat.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that venetoclax, often in combination with other agents, can lead to deep and durable responses in patients with CLL. In particular, the combination of venetoclax with obinutuzumab has been approved for use in newly diagnosed CLL patients, based on studies showing improved progression-free survival compared to standard treatments. Additionally, venetoclax has been effective in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL when used in combination with rituximab or as a monotherapy.

Truxima (Rituximab) Efficacy in Leukemia

Truxima is a biosimilar to the original monoclonal antibody rituximab, which is used in the treatment of various types of blood cancers, including certain forms of leukemia. Rituximab targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of B-cells, including malignant B-cells in CLL. By binding to CD20, rituximab helps the immune system to destroy these leukemia cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy or other targeted therapies such as venetoclax to enhance treatment efficacy.

In the context of CLL, rituximab has been part of the standard of care for many years, especially in combination regimens. Clinical trials have shown that rituximab, when used with chemotherapy or targeted agents, can improve overall survival and progression-free survival in CLL patients. The combination of rituximab with venetoclax, for instance, has been particularly effective in inducing remission in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL, offering a chemotherapy-free treatment option with a favorable safety profile.