Venetoclax induces rapid elimination of NPM1 mutant measurable residual disease in combination with low-intensity chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia

Abstract

Based on promising results in older adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), we treated patients with NPM1mut measurable residual disease (MRD) using off-label venetoclax in combination with low-dose cytarabine or azacitidine. Twelve consecutive patients were retrospectively identified, including five with molecular persistence and seven with molecular relapse/progression. All patients with molecular persistence achieved durable molecular complete remission (CRMRD-) without transplantation. Six of seven patients with molecular relapse/progression achieved CRMRD- after 1–2 cycles of venetoclax. This paper highlights the promising efficacy of venetoclax-based therapy to reduce the relapse risk in patients with persistent or rising NPM1mut MRD.