Bayard L. Powell, MD, Section Chief of Hematology and Oncology and Director of Leukemia Services at 

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, discusses using the mitochondrial metabolism inhibitor CPI-613 in combination with high-dose cytarabine and mitoxantrone for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

 promising. The combination has been effective, with 54% of patients showing a response and no increased toxicity occurring from the addition of CPI-613. The combination was particularly beneficial for patients over 60 and patients with poor risk cytogenetics, says 

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Dr. Powell on CPI-613, Cytarabine, Mitoxantrone Combo for AML

Bayard L. Powell, MD, the Director-At-Large and a Professor in Hematology & Oncology at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The oncology community is vying to determine which older patients can tolerate aggressive treatment for AML and which patients need new options. Among the group of those who need other treatments, some patients are not in good shape to start with and may need an earlier intervention.

In looking at interventions, Powell says, researchers are conducting activity or exercise studies. One study is looking at older patients with AML who are not very fit to start with and determining their tolerance to treatment following regular exercise. An upcoming study is looking at the impact of yoga, both psychologically and physically, on a patient's ability to tolerate treatment. Powell says he is excited to see where these studies lead and incorporate new strategies into treatment for this group of patients.

Bayard L. Powell, MD, from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Dr. Powell on the Treatment of Older Patients With AML 

Bayard L. Powell, MD, the Director-At-Large and a Professor in Hematology & Oncology at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the next steps for CPI-613 in hematologic malignancies.

Following a phase I trial, researchers plan to move forward with CPI-613, focusing on myelodysplastic syndrome. In the study, 3/3 patients with very refractory disease responded to treatment, which is encouraging, Powell says, though represents just a hint of activity.

CPI-613 will also be analyzed in acute myeloid leukemia, where activity was seen, in combination with high-dose cytarabine. Cytarabine is an effective treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory disease and the combination will be evaluated for tolerance and efficacy.

Dr. Powell Discusses the Next Steps for CPI-613

Bayard L. Powell, MD, the Director-At-Large and a Professor in Hematology & Oncology at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses a phase I study that explored the first-in-class mitochondrial metabolism inhibitor CPI-613 in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies.

The well-tolerated toxicities and activity of CPI-613 has prompted further research of the agent as a treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, Powell notes. Additionally, a second phase I trial will be initiated to explore CPI-613 plus high-dose cytarabine as a treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

High levels of activity were observed with CPI-613, which is unusual for patients with advanced relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies, Powell points out. As a result, further investigation into this agent is intriguing.

Bayard L. Powell, MD, from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses a phase I study that explored the first-in-class mitochondrial metabolism inhibitor CPI-613 in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies.

Bayard L. Powell, MD

Articles

Dr. Powell on CPI-613, Cytarabine, Mitoxantrone Combo for AML

Dr. Powell on the Treatment of Older Patients With AML

Dr. Powell Discusses the Next Steps for CPI-613

Dr. Powell Discusses CPI-613 in Hematologic Malignancies