Venetoclax plus CLAD-LDAC alternating with venetoclax plus 5-AZA for AML in older or unfit patients

There is an unmet need for effective therapies for AML in patients who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy. A phase 2 study at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) evaluated venetoclax plus cladribine, low-dose cytarabine (CLAD/LDAC) alternating with venetoclax and 5-azacitidine (5-AZA) for newly-diagnosed AML in older and unfit patients. The composite complete response rate was 93%, and 84% were negative for measurable residual disease. Median disease-free and overall survival were not reached with a follow-up of 22.1 months.