By Counterforce Health Team —

Venclexta (Venetoclax): A Targeted Therapy for Blood Cancers

Venclexta (generic name: venetoclax) is a prescription medication used to treat several types of blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Approved by the FDA in 2016, Venclexta is a targeted therapy designed to attack cancer cells directly while sparing healthy cells.

How Venclexta Works

Venclexta is a BCL-2 inhibitor. BCL-2 is a protein that helps cancer cells survive by preventing them from undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis). By blocking BCL-2, Venclexta allows cancer cells to die naturally, reducing the number of malignant cells in the body.

This approach targets the cancer at the molecular level and is often used in combination with other treatments for enhanced effectiveness.

How It’s Taken

Venclexta comes in oral tablet form and is usually taken once daily.

  • Dosing often starts low and gradually increases to reduce the risk of tumor lysis syndrome, a complication that can occur when cancer cells die too quickly.
  • Patients typically take Venclexta with food and water, and regular blood tests are required to monitor response and safety.

Common Side Effects

Venclexta is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience:

  • Low white blood cell counts (increasing infection risk)
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Low platelet counts (increasing bleeding risk)
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (usually monitored and managed in a clinic)

Regular monitoring by your healthcare team is essential to manage side effects safely.

Benefits of Venclexta

Clinical studies show that Venclexta can:

  • Reduce cancer cell levels in the blood and bone marrow
  • Improve survival rates for patients with CLL and AML
  • Be combined with other therapies for stronger treatment effects
  • Often allow patients to maintain a better quality of life compared to traditional chemotherapy

Final Thoughts

Venclexta (venetoclax) has revolutionized treatment for several blood cancers by providing a precise, targeted approach that attacks cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. If you or a loved one has CLL, AML, or SLL, speak with your healthcare provider to see if Venclexta could be part of your treatment plan.