- Center on Health Equity & Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
Venetoclax and the Impact on Management of Older Patients With AML
Panelists discuss how venetoclax has revolutionized AML treatment by providing effective therapy options for older patients with previously untreatable disease, enabling higher response rates, longer survival, and increased transplant eligibility while transforming the treatment landscape across all age groups.
EP: 1.Overview of Pathophysiology of and Progression of AML
EP: 2.Risk Classification Systems in AML
EP: 3.Key Patient Factors to Consider in AML Treatment Decisions
EP: 4.Provider Perspectives on Biggest Unmet Needs in AML Care
EP: 5.Social Determinants to AML Treatment Approach
EP: 6.Latest NCCN Guidelines on the Standard of Care for Patients With AML
EP: 7.Patient Eligibility for Transplant, Induction, and Consolidation in AML Treatment
EP: 8.Venetoclax and the Impact on Management of Older Patients With AML
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have experienced a revolutionary change in treatment options with the introduction of venetoclax, particularly benefiting older adults and those unable to tolerate intensive chemotherapy. Previously, these patients faced limited treatment choices with median survival of only 8 to 9 months using single-agent hypomethylating agents, leading many to choose hospice care over treatment. Venetoclax combinations have dramatically improved response rates to 67% and extended median survival to 15 months, fundamentally changing the treatment landscape and giving patients real hope for meaningful life extension.
The impact extends beyond survival statistics to include improved quality of life and expanded treatment opportunities. Patients who maintain better performance status during venetoclax-based treatment may become eligible for bone marrow transplantation, an option previously unavailable due to the debilitating effects of intensive chemotherapy. The oral nature of venetoclax reduces the burden of daily clinic visits required with injectable treatments, allowing patients greater flexibility and independence during their treatment journey.
As venetoclax becomes standard care, patients benefit from ongoing research into optimal dosing, treatment duration, and combination approaches. Health care teams are learning to personalize venetoclax regimens based on individual patient factors, mutation profiles, and response patterns, leading to shorter treatment courses and reduced adverse effects while maintaining effectiveness. The success of venetoclax has opened doors to additional combination therapies and oral treatment regimens that promise to further improve outcomes while reducing treatment burden for patients facing this challenging diagnosis.
