Decitabine + Cedazuridine + Venetoclax for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Not currently recruiting at 9 trial locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Must not be taking: CYP3A inducers

Disqualifiers: Favorable AML, FLT3 mutations, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new pill combination for treating higher-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients without the FLT3 gene change. The treatment combines three drugs: decitabine, cedazuridine, and venetoclax. Decitabine aids in producing normal blood cells, cedazuridine enhances decitabine's effects, and venetoclax targets proteins that help cancer cells survive. This trial is for those newly diagnosed with AML, who haven't undergone more than one cycle of certain treatments, and who can take pills. The goal is to determine if the new pill form is as safe and effective as the current intravenous treatment. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new combination therapy.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot take certain medications that interact with the trial drugs, and you should discuss any current medications with the trial team to ensure they are permitted.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that taking decitabine and cedazuridine with venetoclax is generally safe for most people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studies have found that this pill form of treatment is well-tolerated, especially by older or less fit patients. Previous results suggest that this combination does not cause severe side effects for most people. While some side effects might occur, they are usually manageable. These studies aim to determine if this treatment is as safe as the usual IV version. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about the combination of Decitabine, Cedazuridine, and Venetoclax for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) because it offers a novel approach compared to traditional chemotherapy. While standard AML treatments often rely on intensive chemotherapy drugs like cytarabine and daunorubicin, this new combination takes advantage of Venetoclax, which targets the BCL-2 protein to promote cancer cell death. Additionally, Decitabine and Cedazuridine work together to inhibit DNA methylation, potentially enhancing the cancer-fighting effects. This new mechanism not only aims to improve treatment effectiveness but also offers a potentially less toxic alternative to conventional options, making it a promising option for patients who may not tolerate standard therapies well.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for acute myeloid leukemia?

This trial will evaluate the combination of three drugs—decitabine, cedazuridine, and venetoclax—for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studies have shown that this all-oral treatment appears promising, especially for older or less healthy patients. Research indicates that it is effective and generally safe, offering a convenient alternative to IV treatments. The combination aids the bone marrow in producing normal blood cells and blocks proteins essential for cancer cell survival. Early findings suggest this treatment could effectively manage AML in patients without the FLT3 gene mutation. Overall, this treatment approach shows encouraging results in early studies. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michael Savona, MD

Principal Investigator

Yale University Cancer Center LAO

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with higher-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who haven't had certain previous treatments. Participants must have an ECOG performance status of <=2, no FLT3 gene mutations, and adequate organ function. They should not be pregnant or breastfeeding and must agree to use contraception.

Inclusion Criteria

I have recovered from side effects of previous treatments, except for hair loss.

My tumor-related complications were treated before starting therapy.

My heart pumps blood well, with an ejection fraction of 50% or higher.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to tolerate oral medication or keep a pill diary

I do not have any ongoing infections that are not being successfully treated.

I have active leukemia in my brain or spinal cord.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase Ib Treatment

Patients receive ASTX727 orally and venetoclax daily, with treatment repeating every 28 days for up to 12 cycles.

Up to 48 weeks

Monthly visits for treatment and monitoring

Phase II Treatment

Patients are randomized to receive either ASTX727 and venetoclax or cytarabine and daunorubicin, with treatment repeating every 28 days.

Up to 24 weeks

Monthly visits for treatment and monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion.

Up to 5 years

Every 3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Decitabine and Cedazuridine
• Venetoclax

Trial Overview The study tests ASTX727 (oral decitabine + cedazuridine) combined with venetoclax in AML patients without the FLT3 mutation. It aims to confirm if this combination is as safe as intravenous decitabine with venetoclax, potentially improving treatment for high-risk AML.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Phase Ib (decitabine and cedazuridine, venetoclax) Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Patients receive ASTX727 PO QD on days 1-4 or 1-5 of each cycle and venetoclax PO QD on days 1-28 or days 1-21 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 28 days for up to 12 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and collection of blood samples throughout the trial.

Group II: Arm I (decitabine and cedazuridine, venetoclax) Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Patients receive ASTX727 PO QD at the recommended phase II dose and venetoclax PO QD on days 1-28 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 28 days for up to 12 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and collection of blood samples throughout the trial.

Group III: Arm II (cytarabine, daunorubicin) Active Control 3 Interventions

Patients receive cytarabine IV over 24 hours on days 1-7 of each cycle and daunorubicin IV over 10-30 minutes on days 1-3 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 28 days for up to 2 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy throughout the trial.

Decitabine and Cedazuridine is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Inaqovi for:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults who are ineligible for standard induction chemotherapy

Approved in United States as ASTX727 for:

• Adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are 75 years or older, or who have comorbidities precluding intensive induction chemotherapy

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Lead Sponsor

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a phase 1/2 study involving six Japanese patients aged 60 and older with acute myeloid leukaemia, the combination of venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrated a high response rate, with 83% of patients achieving a response, including three complete remissions.

The treatment was generally well tolerated, with a median overall survival of 15.7 months, although some patients experienced serious adverse events, including grade 3 fungal pneumonia, which required treatment adjustments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Venetoclax in combination with azacitidine in Japanese patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: phase 1 trial findings. Taniguchi, S., Yamauchi, T., Choi, I., et al.[2021]

In a phase 2 trial involving 168 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the combination of venetoclax and a 10-day regimen of decitabine resulted in a high overall response rate of 74%, with particularly impressive results in newly diagnosed AML patients (89%).

The treatment demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with common adverse events including neutropenia and infections, and a 30-day mortality rate of only 3.6%, indicating that this combination therapy is both effective and relatively safe for older patients or those unfit for intensive chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

10-day decitabine with venetoclax for newly diagnosed intensive chemotherapy ineligible, and relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia: a single-centre, phase 2 trial. DiNardo, CD., Maiti, A., Rausch, CR., et al.[2021]

In a study of 81 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine, 72.8% experienced infections, with the most common pathogens being Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia.

The study found that the incidence of infectious complications was lower with this treatment compared to conventional chemotherapy, and high leukemia burden and fever were identified as significant risk factors for developing infections.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A real-world study of infectious complications of venetoclax combined with decitabine or azacitidine in adult acute myeloid leukemia. Zhu, LX., Chen, RR., Wang, LL., et al.[2022]

In a study of 13 patients with acute leukemia treated with venetoclax and azacitidine, 46% developed COVID-19, highlighting a significant risk associated with this treatment during the pandemic.

The study found that 33% of those who contracted COVID-19 died from the virus, indicating that COVID-19 can lead to severe outcomes in patients receiving AZA-VEN therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients Treated with Azacitidine and Venetoclax for Acute Leukemia: A Report of a Case Series Treated in a Single Institution. Drozd-Sokołowska, J., Mądry, K., Barankiewicz, J., et al.[2023]

In a study of 22 heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (RR-AML), the combination of venetoclax and decitabine resulted in a 45.5% overall response rate, with 40.9% achieving complete remission, demonstrating its efficacy in a real-world setting.

While the treatment was effective, it was associated with significant side effects, including grade IV neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in all patients, but no deaths were attributed to the treatment side effects, indicating that the adverse effects were manageable.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Venetoclax Combined with Decitabine-Based Treatment for Heavily Pre-Treated Relapsed or Refractory AML Patients in a Real-World Setting. Tong, J., Zhao, N., Hu, X., et al.[2022]

In a study comparing older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), those treated with the combination of decitabine (DEC) and venetoclax (VEN) had a significantly longer median overall survival of 13.4 months compared to 8.3 months for those receiving DEC alone.

The combination therapy also resulted in a higher response rate of 70.3% versus 24.3% for DEC monotherapy, indicating that DEC+VEN is more effective in treating AML without increasing short-term mortality rates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Venetoclax with decitabine versus decitabine monotherapy in elderly acute myeloid leukemia: a propensity score-matched analysis. Kwag, D., Cho, BS., Bang, SY., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 145 older patients (median age 74) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, the combination of venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine resulted in a high complete remission (CR) rate of 67%, demonstrating its efficacy in this challenging population.

The treatment was well tolerated, with no cases of tumor lysis syndrome reported, and the median overall survival was 17.5 months, indicating that venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents is a promising option for elderly patients with AML.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Venetoclax combined with decitabine or azacitidine in treatment-naive, elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia. DiNardo, CD., Pratz, K., Pullarkat, V., et al.[2021]

A 50-year-old male with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieved complete remission after being treated with decitabine and venetoclax as a fifth-line therapy, demonstrating the potential efficacy of this combination in difficult-to-treat cases.

Following remission, the patient successfully underwent a haploidentical transplant, resulting in an overall survival of 48.6 months, suggesting that this treatment approach may serve as a viable bridge to transplant for patients with multiresistant AML.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Decitabine and Venetoclax as Salvage and Bridge Therapy to Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Multiresistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient. Serio, B., Giudice, V., Morini, D., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.6551

Phase II trial of 10-day ASTX727 (decitabine/cedazuridine ... In this prospective clinical trial, we investigate the efficacy of a novel 10-day induction regimen with fully oral combination therapy for pts with R/R AML.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38452788/

Oral decitabine and cedazuridine plus venetoclax for older or ... ASTX727 plus venetoclax is an active fully oral regimen and safe in most older or unfit patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04657081

Study Details | NCT04657081 | Pharmacokinetics, Safety, ... The primary purpose of the study is to rule out drug-drug interactions between ASTX727 and venetoclax combination therapy by evaluating area under the curve ( ...

4. ashpublications.org ashpublications.org/blood/article/142/Supplement%201/833/499481/A-Phase-2-Study-of-the-Fully-Oral-Combination-of

A Phase 2 Study of the Fully Oral Combination of ASTX727 ... A Phase 2 Study of the Fully Oral Combination of ASTX727 (Decitabine/Cedazuridine) Plus Venetoclax for Older and/or Unfit Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

5. cancertherapyadvisor.com cancertherapyadvisor.com/news/decitabine-cedazuridine-plus-venetoclax-under-review-for-aml/

Decitabine/Cedazuridine Plus Venetoclax Under Review ... In this trial (NCT04657081), researchers evaluated decitabine/cedazuridine plus venetoclax in 101 AML patients who were 75 years of age and ...

6. taihooncology.com taihooncology.com/us/news/taiho-oncology-and-taiho-pharmaceutical-announce-us-fda-acceptance-of-supplemental-new-drug-application-for-inqovi-in-combination-with-venetoclax-to-treat-patients-with-acute-myeloid-leukemia/

Taiho Oncology and Taiho Pharmaceutical Announce U.S. ... The submission is based on clinical trial data demonstrating that INQOVI in combination with venetoclax met complete response endpoints; ...