1
|
Di Pasqua LG, Abdallah MM, Feletti F, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Venetoclax-Related Neutropenia in Leukemic Patients: A Comprehensive Review of the Underlying Causes, Risk Factors, and Management. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:484. [PMID: 38675444 PMCID: PMC11054081 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetic currently approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has proven to be highly effective in reinstating apoptosis in leukemic cells through the highly selective inhibition of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Clinically, venetoclax has provided lasting remissions through the inhibition of CLL and AML blasts. However, this activity has often come at the cost of grade III/IV neutropenia due to hematopoietic cells' dependence on Bcl-2 for survival. As life-threatening infections are an important complication in these patients, an effective management of neutropenia is indispensable to maximize patient outcomes. While there is general consensus over dose reduction and scheduling modifications to minimize the risk of neutropenia, the impact of these modifications on survival is uncertain. Moreover, guidelines do not yet adequately account for patient-specific and disease-specific risk factors that may predict toxicity, or the role combination treatment plays in exacerbating neutropenia. The objective of this review is to discuss the venetoclax-induced mechanism of hematological toxicity, the potential predictive risk factors that affect patient vulnerability to neutropenia, and the current consensus on practices for management of neutropenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ravindra A, Acharya L, Loeffler B, Mott S, Sutamtewagul G, Dhakal P. Venetoclax-based therapy in treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2023; 135:107407. [PMID: 37925761 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2023.107407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Combining venetoclax with the hypomethylating agents azacitidine or decitabine has shown high complete response rates (60-70 %) in newly diagnosed (ND) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, studies addressing the efficacy of this approach in relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML remain limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients treated with venetoclax-based therapy at a single institution. Objective response rates (ORR) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using logistic regression and Cox regression models, respectively. The total study population exhibited an ORR of 64 % with a complete remission at 34 %, complete remission with incomplete count recovery at 19%, and morphologic leukemia free state at 11 %. Patients with ND AML had a better ORR (71 %) compared to R/R AML (55 %), but the difference was not statistically significant. Median OS for the overall population was 14.4 months (range: 2-26 months). In the ND group, patients had a longer 6-month OS (82 % vs. 55 % in R/R AML), while both cohorts showed similar 12- and 24-month OS. Factors such as the hypomethylating agent chosen, adverse cytogenetics, TP53 mutations, prior hypomethylating agent use, and stem cell transplant status did not significantly affect ORR or OS. These findings support the effectiveness of venetoclax-based treatments in ND and R/R AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Ravindra
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Luna Acharya
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Bradley Loeffler
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah Mott
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Grerk Sutamtewagul
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Prajwal Dhakal
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dalgetty M, Leurinda C, Cortes J. A comparative safety review of targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:1225-1236. [PMID: 38014918 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2289176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment has primarily focused on 7 + 3 chemotherapy, but in the last decade there has been a significant increase in new therapies, mostly targeted agents, approved for the treatment of AML. We performed a comparative analysis of the unique safety profile of each of these new agents. AREAS COVERED We conducted a review of the current literature on public databases (PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regarding new AML drugs that were approved from 2017 to 2023. EXPERT OPINION The diagnosis of AML typically carries a poor prognosis but with an increase in the number of drugs that are now available, patients' outcomes are improving. With novel mechanisms of action, the use of these agents introduces different safety profiles, occasionally with adverse events not previously seen with standard chemotherapy or at different frequencies. An understanding of the drugs available and the safety concerns associated with each one is crucial to selecting the best available option for each patient, and early recognition and appropriate management of drug-related adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Dalgetty
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christian Leurinda
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jorge Cortes
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stemler J, Mellinghoff SC, Khodamoradi Y, Sprute R, Classen AY, Zapke SE, Hoenigl M, Krause R, Schmidt-Hieber M, Heinz WJ, Klein M, Koehler P, Liss B, Koldehoff M, Buhl C, Penack O, Maschmeyer G, Schalk E, Lass-Flörl C, Karthaus M, Ruhnke M, Cornely OA, Teschner D. Primary prophylaxis of invasive fungal diseases in patients with haematological malignancies: 2022 update of the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). J Antimicrob Chemother 2023:dkad143. [PMID: 37311136 PMCID: PMC10393896 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with haematological malignancies (HM) are at high risk of developing invasive fungal disease (IFD) with high morbidity and attributable mortality. We reviewed data published until September 2021 to update the 2017 antifungal prophylaxis recommendations of the German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). The strong recommendation to administer antifungal prophylaxis in patients with HM with long-lasting neutropenia, i.e. <500 cells/μL for >7 days remains unchanged. Posaconazole remains the drug of choice for mould-active prophylaxis in these patients. Novel treatment options in HM, such as CAR-T-cell treatment or novel targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) were considered, however, data are insufficient to give general recommendations for routine antifungal prophylaxis in these patients. Major changes regarding specific recommendations compared to the 2017 edition are the now moderate instead of mild support for the recommendations of isavuconazole and voriconazole. Furthermore, published evidence on micafungin allows recommending it at moderate strength for its use in HM. For the first time we included recommendations for non-pharmaceutical measures regarding IFD, comprising the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, smoking, measures during construction work and neutropenic diets. We reviewed the impact of antifungal prophylaxis with triazoles on drug-drug interactions with novel targeted therapies that are metabolized via cytochrome p450 where triazoles inhibit CYP3A4/5. The working group recommends reducing the dose of venetoclax when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inhibiting antifungals. Furthermore, we reviewed data on the prophylactic use of novel antifungal agents. Currently there is no evidence to support their use in a prophylactic setting in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Stemler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sibylle C Mellinghoff
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yascha Khodamoradi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rosanne Sprute
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annika Y Classen
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sonja E Zapke
- Department Hematology, Oncology, Infectious disease and Palliatve Care, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria and BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria and BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Schmidt-Hieber
- 2nd Medical Clinic (Hematology, Oncology, Pneumology, Nephrology), Carl-Thiem Clinic Cottbus, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Werner J Heinz
- Medical Clinic II, Caritas Hospital, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
| | - Michael Klein
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Klinikum Vest, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Philipp Koehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Blasius Liss
- Department Hematology, Oncology, Infectious disease and Palliatve Care, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Michael Koldehoff
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Penack
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Maschmeyer
- Formerly Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Enrico Schalk
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical Centre, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, ECMM Excellence Centre, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Meinolf Karthaus
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Klinikum Neuperlach, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Ruhnke
- Helios Klinikum Aue, Klinik für Hämatologie/Onkologie & Palliativmedizin, Aue, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, NRW, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Teschner
- Department of Hematology, and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stempel JM, Podoltsev NA, Dosani T. Supportive Care for Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Cancer J 2023; 29:168-178. [PMID: 37195773 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Myelodysplastic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of bone marrow disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, progressive cytopenias, and an innate capability of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia. The most common causes of morbidity and mortality are complications related to myelodysplastic syndromes rather than progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Although supportive care measures are applicable to all patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, they are especially essential in patients with lower-risk disease who have a better prognosis compared with their higher-risk counterparts and require longer-term monitoring of disease and treatment-related complications. In this review, we will address the most frequent complications and supportive care interventions used in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, including transfusion support, management of iron overload, antimicrobial prophylaxis, important considerations in the era of COVID-19 (coronavirus infectious disease 2019), role of routine immunizations, and palliative care in the myelodysplastic syndrome population.
Collapse
|
6
|
El-Cheikh J, Bidaoui G, Saleh M, Moukalled N, Abou Dalle I, Bazarbachi A. Venetoclax: A New Partner in the Novel Treatment Era for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Clin Hematol Int 2023:10.1007/s44228-023-00041-x. [PMID: 37071328 DOI: 10.1007/s44228-023-00041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) are two closely related blood cancers that are more frequent in older adults. AML is the most common type of adult acute leukemia, and MDS is characterized by ineffective blood cell production and abnormalities in the bone marrow and blood. Both can be resistant to treatment, often due to dysfunction in the process of apoptosis, the body's natural mechanism for cell death. Venetoclax, an orally-administered medication that selectively targets the BCL-2 protein, has shown promise in enhancing treatment sensitivity in some hematological malignancies by reducing the apoptotic threshold. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of venetoclax in treating AML and MDS, as well as potential mechanisms of resistance to the medication. METHODS A literature search was conducted utilizing PUBMED to capture all relevant research articles on the use of venetoclax as a therapy for both diseases. The MeSH terms "acute myeloid leukemia", "myelodysplastic syndrome" and "venetoclax" were searched. Furthermore, Clinicaltrials.gov was accessed to ensure the inclusion of all ongoing clinical trials. RESULTS Although Venetoclax showed modest results as a single-agent therapy in AML, venetoclax-based combination therapies? mainly with hypomethylating agents or low-dose cytarabine? yielded significantly positive results. Preliminary results oN the use of venetoclax-based combination therapy with HMA, mainly azacitidine, in unfit high-risk MDS also yielded optimistic results. Identification of mutations for which various drugs have been approved has spurred active investigation of venetoclax in combination trials. CONCLUSION Venetoclax-based combination therapies have been shown to induce rapid responses and increase overall survival in AML patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. These therapies are also yielding positive preliminary results in high-risk MDS patients in phase I trials. Resistance to venetoclax and drug-related toxicity are two main obstacles that need to be overcome to reap the full benefits of this therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean El-Cheikh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center, Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 113-6044, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Ghassan Bidaoui
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mustafa Saleh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Moukalled
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Iman Abou Dalle
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gando Y, Yasu T. Real-world treatment patterns of venetoclax and azacytidine therapy in Japanese patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:1283-1285. [PMID: 36991229 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Gando
- Department of Medicinal Therapy Research, Pharmaceutical Education and Research Center, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Takeo Yasu
- Department of Medicinal Therapy Research, Pharmaceutical Education and Research Center, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Flores-Romero H, Dadsena S, García-Sáez AJ. Mitochondrial pores at the crossroad between cell death and inflammatory signaling. Mol Cell 2023; 83:843-856. [PMID: 36931255 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles with a major role in many cellular processes, including not only energy production, metabolism, and calcium homeostasis but also regulated cell death and innate immunity. Their proteobacterial origin makes them a rich source of potent immune agonists, normally hidden within the mitochondrial membrane barriers. Alteration of mitochondrial permeability through mitochondrial pores thus provides efficient mechanisms not only to communicate mitochondrial stress to the cell but also as a key event in the integration of cellular responses. In this regard, eukaryotic cells have developed diverse signaling networks that sense and respond to the release of mitochondrial components into the cytosol and play a key role in controlling cell death and inflammatory pathways. Modulating pore formation at mitochondria through direct or indirect mechanisms may thus open new opportunities for therapy. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the structure and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial pores and how they function at the interface between cell death and inflammatory signaling to regulate cellular outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hector Flores-Romero
- Institute for Genetics, CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shashank Dadsena
- Institute for Genetics, CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ana J García-Sáez
- Institute for Genetics, CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Skelding KA, Barry DL, Theron DZ, Lincz LF. Bone Marrow Microenvironment as a Source of New Drug Targets for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:563. [PMID: 36614005 PMCID: PMC9820412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. The bone marrow microenvironment is increasingly being recognised as an important mediator of AML chemoresistance and relapse, supporting leukaemia stem cell survival through interactions among stromal, haematopoietic progenitor and leukaemic cells. Traditional therapies targeting leukaemic cells have failed to improve long term survival rates, and as such, the bone marrow niche has become a promising new source of potential therapeutic targets, particularly for relapsed and refractory AML. This review briefly discusses the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in AML development and progression, and as a source of novel therapeutic targets for AML. The main focus of this review is on drugs that modulate/target this bone marrow microenvironment and have been examined in in vivo models or clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Skelding
- Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Daniel L. Barry
- Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Danielle Z. Theron
- Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Lisa F. Lincz
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Hunter Hematology Research Group, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pelosi E, Castelli G, Testa U. The Growing Role of the BH3 Mimetic Drug Venetoclax in the Therapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2022; 14:e2022080. [PMID: 36425147 PMCID: PMC9652018 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2022.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent progress, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a disease associated with poor prognosis, particularly in older AML patients unfit to tolerate intensive chemotherapy treatment. The development and introduction in the therapy of Venetoclax (VEN), a potent BH3 mimetic targeting the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2, inducing apoptosis of leukemic cells, has shown to be a promising treatment for newly diagnosed, relapsed, and refractory AML patients ineligible for induction chemotherapy. Combination treatments using Ventoclax and a hypomethylating agent (azacitidine or decitabine) or low-intensity chemotherapy have shown in newly diagnosed patients variable response rates, with highly responsive patients with NPM1, IDH1-IDH2, TET2, and RUNX1 mutations and with scarcely responsive patients with FLT3, TP53 and ASXL1 mutations, complex karyotypes, and secondary AMLs. Patients with refractory/relapsing disease are less responsive to Venetoclax-based regimens. However, in the majority of patients, the responses have only a limited duration, and the development of resistance is frequently observed. Therefore, understanding the resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new strategies and identifying rational drug combination regimens. In this context, two strategies seem to be promising: (i) triplet therapies based on the combined administration of Venetoclax, a hypomethylating agent (or low-dose chemotherapy), and an agent targeting a specific genetic alteration of leukemic cells (i.e., FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-mutated AMLs) or an altered signaling pathway; (ii) combination therapies based on the administration of two BH3 mimetics (i.e., BCL-2 +MCL-1 mimetics) and a hypomethylating agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
“FLipping” the Story: FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and the Evolving Role of FLT3 Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143398. [PMID: 35884458 PMCID: PMC9315611 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may have a number of different mutations. Those with mutations in the FLT3 gene have a higher risk of relapse and death than those lacking these mutations. FLT3 is a key receptor on the surface of AML cells, which drives cell survival and growth. Although activation of this receptor is normally tightly controlled, in AML, FLT3 mutations allow it to activate itself, independent of external control. Over the past 5 years, a number of new drugs have been developed to specifically target these mutations. In this article, we discuss these drugs and their uses, as well as the mechanisms by which AML cells may gain resistance to them and how that resistance can be overcome. Abstract The treatment of many types of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been revolutionized by the development of therapeutics targeted at crucial molecular drivers of oncogenesis. In contrast to broad, relatively indiscriminate conventional chemotherapy, these targeted agents precisely disrupt key pathways within cancer cells. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)—encoding a critical regulator of hematopoiesis—is the most frequently mutated gene in patients with AML, and these mutations herald reduced survival and increased relapse in these patients. Approximately 30% of newly diagnosed AML carries an FLT3 mutation; of these, approximately three-quarters are internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations, and the remainder are tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations. In contrast to its usual, tightly controlled expression, FLT3-ITD mutants allow constitutive, “run-away” activation of a large number of key downstream pathways which promote cellular proliferation and survival. Targeted inhibition of FLT3 is, therefore, a promising therapeutic avenue. In April 2017, midostaurin became both the first FLT3 inhibitor and the first targeted therapy of any kind in AML to be approved by the US FDA. The use of FLT3 inhibitors has continued to grow as clinical trials continue to demonstrate the efficacy of this class of agents, with an expanding number available for use as both experimental standard-of-care usage. This review examines the biology of FLT3 and its downstream pathways, the mechanism of FLT3 inhibition, the development of the FLT3 inhibitors as a class and uses of the agents currently available clinically, and the mechanisms by which resistance to FLT3 inhibition may both develop and be overcome.
Collapse
|