A Finnish study has revealed that drug sensitivity testing can effectively identify acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are likely to benefit from targeted therapy with venetoclax and azacitidine. This personalized approach promises to enhance treatment outcomes and minimize unnecessary side effects.
The research, spearheaded by hematologist Mika Kontro from Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) and the University of Helsinki, was published in Blood. The study investigated how AML patients’ leukemia cells responded to venetoclax and azacitidine in a laboratory setting and whether this response could predict real-world treatment effectiveness. The findings indicated a strong correlation between sensitivity to venetoclax in lab tests and improved patient response, as well as extended survival rates.
Personalizing Treatment for Relapsed Leukemia
According to Kontro, this method provides an effective means of personalizing treatment, particularly for patients with relapsed leukemia. By identifying individuals most likely to respond positively, clinicians can mitigate adverse effects and avoid the financial burden associated with ineffective treatments. The study involved 104 AML patients from across Finland’s university hospitals and has already expedited access to venetoclax, making it available to Finnish patients three years ahead of schedule. Leukemia cells extracted from patients’ bone marrow were analyzed in the lab to assess drug sensitivity, thereby guiding timely treatment decisions.
Rapid Data Turnaround
Timeliness was a critical factor in the study. The FIMM High Throughput Biomedicine unit provided doctors with sensitivity data on patients’ leukemia cells within three days of sample collection. This rapid access to results facilitated more informed and personalized treatment strategies.
Future Applications
While the study primarily focused on venetoclax, Kontro suggests that the methodology could be expanded to test other drugs, although further research is necessary to broaden its application.
