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BCL-2 inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia: resistance and combinations
Qi Zhang Tatarata1,2, Zhe Wang1, Marina Konopleva1,3
1The Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD, Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Introduction:
The introduction of venetoclax has revolutionized the treatment landscape of acute myeloid leukemia, offering new therapeutic opportunities. However, the clinical response to venetoclax varies significantly between patients, with many experiencing limited duration of response.
Areas Covered:
Identified resistance mechanisms include both intrinsic and acquired resistance to VEN. The former is associated with cell lineage and differentiation state. The latter includes dependency on alternative BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic protein(s) mediated by genetic, epigenetic, or post-translational mechanisms, mitochondrial and metabolic involvement, as well as microenvironment. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing venetoclax-based therapies and enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia. This review aims to elucidate the primary mechanisms underlying resistance to venetoclax and explore current therapeutic strategies to overcome this challenge.
Expert Opinion:
In patients with venetoclax resistance, alternative options include targeted combination therapies tailored to individual cases based on cytogenetics and prior treatments. Many of these therapies require further clinical investigation to validate their safety and efficacy.
Insights
Venetoclax offers new hope for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but resistance limits its effectiveness. Understanding resistance mechanisms and exploring combination therapies are key to improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Venetoclax has transformed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment.
- Patient response to venetoclax varies, with many experiencing limited duration of response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate mechanisms of venetoclax resistance in AML.
- To explore therapeutic strategies to overcome venetoclax resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of BCL-2 family protein interactions, mitochondrial function, and microenvironment factors.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic resistance linked to cell lineage and differentiation.
- Acquired resistance involves alternative anti-apoptotic proteins, metabolic changes, and microenvironment interactions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing venetoclax-based AML therapy.
- Targeted combination therapies show promise but require further clinical validation.
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