Open AccessVenetoclax resistance: mechanistic insights and future strategies
Author(s) -
Faustine Ong,
Kunhwa Kim,
Marina Konopleva
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
cancer drug resistance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-532X
DOI - 10.20517/cdr.2021.125
Subject(s) - venetoclax , myeloid leukemia , drug resistance , medicine , bioinformatics , leukemia , cancer research , immunology , biology , genetics , chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is historically associated with poor prognosis, especially in older AML patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. The development of Venetoclax, a potent oral BH3 (BCL-2 homology domain 3) mimetic, has transformed the AML treatment. However, the short duration of response and development of resistance remain major concerns. Understanding mechanisms of resistance is pivotal to devising new strategies and designing rational drug combination regimens. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive summary of the known mechanisms of resistance to Venetoclax and discuss Venetoclax-based combination therapies. Key contributing factors to Venetoclax resistance include dependencies on alternative anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins and selection of the activating kinase mutations. Mutational landscape governing response to Venetoclax and strategic approaches developed considering current knowledge of mechanisms of resistance will be addressed.