A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has found that a new drug may be effective in treating a rare form of leukemia.
The drug, called Venclexta, was tested on patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who had not responded to other treatments. The results showed that 85% of patients saw their cancer shrink or disappear completely.
CLL is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and is typically slow-growing. However, in some cases, it can become more aggressive and difficult to treat. This is where Venclexta comes in.
The drug works by targeting a protein called BCL-2, which is responsible for keeping cancer cells alive. By blocking this protein, Venclexta causes the cancer cells to die off.
Dr. John C. Byrd, one of the lead researchers of the study, stated that the results were “remarkable” and that Venclexta could potentially be a game-changer in the treatment of CLL.
However, it is important to note that the drug does come with some side effects, including low white blood cell count and infections. The researchers also caution that more studies need to be done to fully understand the long-term effects of Venclexta.
The study was funded by the drug’s manufacturer, AbbVie, and the results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
This breakthrough in CLL treatment is a promising development for patients who have not responded to other therapies. With further research and clinical trials, Venclexta could potentially become a widely used and effective treatment option for this rare form of leukemia.
