ASH 2020 | Venetoclax plus HMAs in IDH-mutant AML

Danielle Hammond, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses the results of an analysis of combined venetoclax and hypomethylating agent (HMA) treatment in IDH1/IDH2-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. This combination has shown preferential activity in the IDH-mutant population, but large-scale data regarding the depth and duration of response is required as more treatment options become available, including small molecule IDH inhibitors. The results showed combined venetoclax and HMA treatment to induce deep and durable responses with high rates of complete remission, especially notable in newly diagnosed patients. When patients who had also received an IDH inhibitor were isolated, the highest complete remission rate was seen in patients receiving as a triplet with HMA plus venetoclax, although switching between the two regimens as salvage therapy also gave high response rates. Further investigation into combination and sequential treatment approaches with IDH inhibitors, venetoclax and HMAs are needed. This interview took place during the 62nd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, 2020.