Venetoclax (Venclexta) is a commonly used treatment for CLL. It works by targeting a protein called BCL-2, which CLL cells overproduce to protect themselves from dying. By blocking this protein, Venclexta helps those abnormal cells break down and die.
It can be used in a few different ways:
- As a once-daily pill on its Show Full Answer
Venetoclax (Venclexta) is a commonly used treatment for CLL. It works by targeting a protein called BCL-2, which CLL cells overproduce to protect themselves from dying. By blocking this protein, Venclexta helps those abnormal cells break down and die.
It can be used in a few different ways:
- As a once-daily pill on its own
- Combined with rituximab, especially for relapsed or treatment-resistant CLL
- As part of a newly FDA-approved all-oral combo with acalabrutinib (Calquence) for newly diagnosed CLL It's worth knowing about the side effects, which can include:
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Anemia
- Neutropenia (low white blood cell counts)
- A rare but serious risk called tumor lysis syndrome, where too many cancer cells break down too quickly, which can affect the kidneys
Because of the tumor lysis syndrome risk, some people need to be monitored closely — sometimes in a hospital — when first starting Venclexta or increasing the dose.
It's also particularly useful for people with certain genetic mutations like del(17p) or TP53, where traditional chemotherapy may not work as well. Always worth a detailed conversation with your care team about whether it's the right fit for you!
July 13
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