Dr. Donnellan Discusses Trials in Hematologic Malignancies

William B. Donnellan, MD, investigator, Hematologic Malignancies, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Tennessee Oncology, discusses ongoing trials in hematologic malignancies.

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), venetoclax (Venclexta) showed a very high response rate when used in combination with a hypomethylating agent in newly-diagnosed patients. There is now a large phase III study launching, which will compare azacitidine either in combination with venetoclax or placebo. The outcome of this trial could potentially change how older patients with AML are treated.

There are several trials ongoing in myelofibrosis, such as the PAC203 study. This study is evaluating pacritinib, a JAK/FLT inhibitor, which has been shown to be effective in patients with myelofibrosis who are resistant or refractory to ruxolitinib (Jakafi). There are some concerns about toxicity, specifically cardiac and hematologic events.