The Prevalence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) are life-threatening blood cancers.1 AML is responsible for approximately 1% of all cancer diagnoses but has a high mortality rate.2 In India, the incidence of leukemia is rising, yet treatment options remain limited.
AML is an aggressive cancer that progresses rapidly and requires immediate intervention. Symptoms often include paleness, anemia, easy bruising, and severe infections. Given their timely and effective treatment is vital for patient survival and quality of life.
AML is characterised by the fast growth of abnormal “hematopoietic precursor” cells that interfere with normal blood cell production.
These immature cells fail to function properly, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Consequences of AML:
The disease can spread beyond the bone marrow to other organs like the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and central nervous system, and sometimes form tumours known as myeloid sarcomas.3,4,5
AML is one of the most common types of acute leukemia in adults, typically affecting older individuals, with most cases diagnosed around ages 65 to 70. It differs from other leukemias by its origin in myeloid cells and its acute (rapid) progression, requiring prompt treatment.3,5,6
What Increases the Risk of AML?
Several factors may raise an individual’s risk of developing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). These include advancing age, a history of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, tobacco use, and exposure to hazardous chemicals such as benzene. Additionally, pre-existing blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome can also heighten the risk.6,4,5
People with a family history of leukemia or inherited genetic conditions should consider genetic counselling as a preventive step.
AML, if left untreated, advances rapidly and may prove fatal within weeks or months. Available treatments—ranging from chemotherapy and targeted drugs to stem cell transplants—aim to induce remission and restore healthy blood cell production.5,7,8
The Importance of Early Intervention in Blood Cancers :
Timely and effective management of AML is vital to halt disease progression, relieve symptoms, and extend survival. Without intervention, blood cancers can result in serious complications like infections, severe anemia, or even organ failure.
Therapeutic approaches at both early and advanced stages can greatly improve patient outcomes. For example, research indicates that targeted therapies not only enhance survival rates but also provide better disease control than conventional chemotherapy.8
If blood cancers go untreated or are poorly managed, malignant cells can spread, increasing the chances of secondary cancers and complicating treatment. That’s why a holistic approach—incorporating new-age treatments, frequent monitoring, and supportive care—is critical to achieving optimal outcomes.12
Are Indian Treatment Options Falling Short?
Despite progress in global oncology, access to cutting-edge therapies remains limited in India. The majority of available treatments for blood cancers in the country still revolve around chemotherapy or earlier-generation targeted therapies, both of which may be ineffective in relapsed or treatment-resistant cases.10
Moreover, the latest innovations in targeted treatments are either unavailable or not widely accessible in India, which can lead to lower treatment success and shorter remission durations. This highlights the pressing need for access to more advanced, better-tolerated options like Venclexta.1,2,15
Venclexta: A Modern Breakthrough in AML Care :
Venclexta (venetoclax) is an oral targeted therapy approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of AML. It functions by blocking the BCL-2 protein—a protein that enables cancer cells to survive—thereby promoting cancer cell death.11 Clinical trials have shown Venclexta to be particularly effective in patients who did not respond to prior therapies. When used alongside other medications, it has yielded high response rates and prolonged remissions, especially in tough-to-treat cases.12
How Venclexta Targets AML at the Root :
Venclexta works by inhibiting BCL-2, a protein that protects leukemia cells from dying. By neutralizing this protein, the drug triggers apoptosis, or programmed cell death—in cancer cells. This precision approach not only reduces the overall cancer burden but also minimises harm to healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.12
Safety Considerations Before Starting Venclexta:12,13,14
Patients should be well-informed about Venclexta’s safety profile before beginning treatment. One serious concern is Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), a potentially fatal complication that arises from the rapid destruction of cancer cells. To prevent TLS, physicians closely monitor blood levels and gradually increase the dosage. Staying well-hydrated and following medical advice are essential in reducing this risk.
Patients should also inform their doctors about any existing medical conditions, particularly kidney or liver problems—as these can impact how the body metabolises the drug. Adhering to proper dose escalation schedules helps maximise the drug’s effectiveness while minimising adverse effects.
Are You a Suitable Candidates for Venclexta? 12, 13
Venclexta is considered beneficial for:
- -Patients diagnosed with AML, as advised by their oncologist
- -Individuals whose cancer has relapsed or shown resistance to prior treatments
- -Patients looking for advanced, targeted options for managing AML.
Who Should Avoid Venclexta:
- -People with known allergies to Venetoclax
- -Patients with severe kidney or liver conditions, unless closely supervised by a doctor
- -Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless prescribed with caution
- -Individuals taking strong CYP3A inhibitors without proper monitoring, due to the risk of increased drug toxicity
Potential Side Effects of Venclexta :
Like all potent medications, Venclexta can cause side effects. These may include:
- -Nausea and vomiting12,13
- -Constipation or diarrhea12,13
- -Fatigue and general weakness12,13
- -Decreased blood counts, raising infection risk14
- -Muscle or joint discomfort12,13
- -Shortness of breath12,13
- -Dizziness and headaches12,13
- -Bleeding tendencies12,13
- -Tumor Lysis Syndrome9
Regular consultations with a medical oncologist are crucial for managing side effects. Some cases may require dosage adjustments or supportive treatments. Routine blood tests and strict adherence to treatment schedules enable early detection and prompt action against adverse effects.
How Indian Patients Can Access Venclexta :
Indian patients can obtain Venclexta through the Rx4u Named Patient Purchase (NPP) Program, which legally facilitates the import of rare or unapproved treatments into India. This program ensures timely and regulated access to life-saving drugs, providing renewed hope to those battling rare or advanced diseases.
In the context of limited local options, Venclexta represents a significant advancement in AML treatment. Through the https://rx4u.in/ NPP initiative, Indian patients can benefit from globally approved therapies that might otherwise be out of reach. The program plays a pivotal role in bridging treatment gaps, offering patients a fighting chance with some of the world’s most effective medical solutions.
A Step Forward in Indian AML Treatment:
The introduction of therapies like Venclexta marks a critical shift in how rare and aggressive blood cancers are treated in India. With the help of global drug access programs and increased awareness, Indian patients can now aspire to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life. Venclexta, combined with timely diagnosis and expert care, could be the hope many patients have been waiting for.
For more information, visit https://rx4u.in/
Note:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is subject to prescribing information of the drug and the guidance of your treating physician. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decision for starting your treatment.
References
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32579486/
2.https://www.cureus.com/articles/259959-leukemia-in-india-insights-into-incidence-prevalence-mortality-and-disability-adjusted-life-years
3.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/what-is-aml.html
4.https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=34&contentid=BAMLD2
5.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/what-is-aml.html
6.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-myelogenous-leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369109
7.https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/adult-aml-treatment-pdq
8.https://www.lls.org/leukemia/acute-myeloid-leukemia
9. https://www.venclexta.com/important-safety-information
10.https://www.gene.com/medical-professionals/medicines/venclexta
11.https://www.venclexta.com/previously-untreated-cll/possible-side-effects
12.VENCLEXTA®️ (venetoclax tablets): CLL/SLL and AML Treatment
This official site provides comprehensive information on Venclexta's mechanism of action, indications and usage, Consequences of Untreated CLL/SLL:
https://www.venclexta.com/
13.VENCLEXTA®️ (venetoclax tablets) AML & CLL/SLL Treatment HCP
This resource offers detailed information for healthcare providers about Venclexta's applications.
https://www.venclextahcp.com/
14.Venclexta (venetoclax) Dispensing Guide | Genentech Oncology
This guide provides dispensing information for Venclexta, including dosing and administration.
https://www.genentech-medinfo.com/content/dam/gene/genentech-medinfo/pdfs/venclexta/venclexta-venetoclax-dispensing-guide-2024.pdf
15.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11899-023-00722-7
