Venclexta (venetoclax) is an oral targeted therapy approved for CLL. It works by blocking a protein called BCL-2 that cancer cells overproduce to protect themselves from dying — essentially, it removes that shield so the tumor cells can break down.
It's taken once daily as a pill, which many people find more convenient Show Full Answer
Venclexta (venetoclax) is an oral targeted therapy approved for CLL. It works by blocking a protein called BCL-2 that cancer cells overproduce to protect themselves from dying — essentially, it removes that shield so the tumor cells can break down.
It's taken once daily as a pill, which many people find more convenient than infusion-based treatments. There are some important side effects to be aware of:
- Common: Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and low blood cell counts (neutropenia and anemia)
- Serious: Tumor lysis syndrome — this happens when Venclexta kills cancer cells so quickly that the byproducts overwhelm the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure
- Serious: Increased risk of infections and bleeding
Because of the tumor lysis syndrome risk, some people need to be monitored in a hospital when first starting the drug or when the dose is increased. Venclexta is often used in combination with other medications. A common pairing is Venclexta with rituximab, which is a preferred option for relapsed or refractory CLL. A newer FDA-approved combination pairs it with acalabrutinib, offering a time-limited treatment course of around 14 cycles (just over a year), rather than ongoing indefinite treatment.
It's also a go-to option for people with certain genetic mutations like del(17p) or TP53, where traditional chemotherapy tends to be less effective. A MyLeukemiaTeam member shared that stress management is something their care team actively monitors alongside treatment — worth keeping in mind as navigating side effects and outcomes can feel overwhelming at times.
As always, a conversation with your care team is the best way to know if Venclexta fits your specific situation and treatment goals.
August 18
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