Dr. Eytan Stein on Novel Combinations in AML

Eytan M. Stein, MD, internist, hematologic oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses some of the potential combinations that could be explored with novel agents in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

With several new agents in the pipeline for AML, Stein sees endless possibilities for combination regimens. One novel agent is midostaurin, which has demonstrated a 7% overall survival benefit at approximately 5 years when combined with induction chemotherapy for patients with FLT3-positive AML.

Some clinical studies have examined combinations involving the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (Venclexta), or the novel antibody-drug conjugate SGN-CD33A, paired with hypomethylating agents.

Overall, Stein sees this as a very exciting time in AML. There have not been any new drug approvals for this disease in the past several years, so many experts would agree that the field is now long overdue for one in the coming years.