Volasertib for AML: clinical use and patient consideration

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Zhonglin Hao, Georgia Regents University; Vamsi Kota, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2015-07
• Publisher: Dove Medical Press
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2015 Hao and Kota.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OTT.S60762
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: OncoTargets and Therapy
• ISSN: 1178-6930
• Start Page: 1761
• End Page: 1761
• Keywords: volasertib; management; induction; acute myeloid leukemia
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, General; Health Sciences, Oncology

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease diagnosed mostly in patients >65 years of age. Despite its heterogeneous nature, the different types of AMLs are still managed by standard induction chemotherapy for those who can tolerate it in the beginning. For the elderly and infirm patients, however, this approach leads to unacceptably high induction mortality rate. This article reviews past and current efforts searching for low-intensiveness treatments for the elderly and infirm patients who cannot tolerate the standard induction regimen. Volasertib, currently in Phase III clinical trials in combination with cytarabine, is reviewed as a promising agent for this patient population with AML, from the viewpoints of potential compliance and efficacy.