Efficacy

Venclyxto/Venclexta (Venetoclax) for Leukemia

Venetoclax, marketed under the brand name Venclyxto in Europe and Venclexta in the United States, is a targeted therapy for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and some other hematological malignancies. It is a BCL-2 inhibitor, which induces apoptosis in cancer cells by blocking the action of the BCL-2 protein. The efficacy of venetoclax has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials, including the pivotal CLL14 trial, which showed that venetoclax in combination with obinutuzumab significantly improved progression-free survival compared to the standard-of-care treatment in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia with coexisting medical conditions.

In addition to its use in CLL, venetoclax has shown efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in older patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. It has been used in combination with hypomethylating agents or low-dose cytarabine, where it has been found to improve response rates and overall survival compared to historical controls. However, it is important to note that venetoclax is not a cure for leukemia and is most effective as part of a combination regimen.

Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib) for Leukemia

Zanubrutinib, sold under the brand name Brukinsa, is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor used in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and is being investigated for its efficacy in various other B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In clinical trials, zanubrutinib has demonstrated a high overall response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL. While zanubrutinib is not yet approved specifically for CLL, ongoing studies are evaluating its efficacy and safety in this patient population.

In the context of CLL, early clinical trial results suggest that zanubrutinib may have a favorable safety profile and high efficacy, with the potential for fewer cardiac side effects compared to other BTK inhibitors. However, long-term data and direct comparative trials with other BTK inhibitors are needed to fully establish the role of zanubrutinib in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. As research progresses, zanubrutinib may become an important component of the therapeutic arsenal against CLL, offering an alternative for patients who may not tolerate other treatments well.