OncoPharm Updates: Venetoclax use in multiple myeloma, atezolizumab in small cell lung cancer
5 snips
Mar 21, 2019 This week brings critical updates in oncology. There are significant safety concerns regarding venetoclax in multiple myeloma trials, leading to an FDA enrollment hold. The discussion emphasizes troubling findings related to death rates and infections. Meanwhile, atezolizumab is expected to receive FDA approval for small cell lung cancer, showcasing its benefits over traditional chemotherapy. The episode also touches on new guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology for managing brain tumors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Venetoclax safety concern insight
- Venetoclax combined with bortezomib shows improved progression-free survival in multiple myeloma but raises significant safety concerns due to increased deaths mainly from infections.
- This highlights the complexity of balancing efficacy with higher risks in cancer drug trials, especially with immunomodulatory agents.
Avoid off-label Venetoclax use
- Avoid off-label use of venetoclax in multiple myeloma until safety in trials is confirmed.
- Clinicians should wait for more data before recommending venetoclax outside clinical research.
Atezolizumab PFS and survival benefit
- Atezolizumab with chemotherapy improves overall survival in extensive stage small cell lung cancer, a rare recent advance.
- The optimal timing of atezolizumab (concurrent vs. after chemo) remains an open question affecting treatment practice.