Is venetoclax/venetoclax tablets a chemotherapy drug?

Venetoclax/Venetoclax is a targeted therapy drug mainly used to treat certain types of blood cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs, venetoclax acts on cells through a specific mechanism, which is significantly different from the way anti-cancer drugs work. Chemotherapy usually treats cancer by inhibiting the rapid growth of cells in the body, including cancer cells and some normal cells, which can cause various side effects. Venetoclax exerts its anti-cancer effect by inhibiting a protein called BCL-2.

BCL-2 is a protein that is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, especially CLL and AML. The main function of this protein is to inhibit apoptosis, the natural death process of cells. In these cancers, overexpression of BCL-2 allows cancer cells to survive longer, leading to disease progression and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Venetoclax binds to BCL-2 and promotes programmed death of cancer cells, thereby effectively reducing the number of tumor cells.

The drug has been validated in clinical trials and has been approved for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults aged 75 and older, or those who are unable to receive intensive induction chemotherapy due to other health factors. Typically, venetoclax is combined with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine to enhance the therapeutic effect. To take Venetoclax, swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew or break it. This will help the drug to be released and absorbed normally in the body.

Overall, venetoclax, as a targeted drug, provides cancer patients with a new treatment option, especially in the face of resistance to traditional chemotherapy. Not only can it effectively target tumor cells, it can also relatively reduce damage to healthy cells, thereby reducing side effects and improving overall quality of life.

References:https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/venclexta-venetoclax-chemotherapy-3549923/