Inqovi: A New Oral Option May Be Coming for AML
A new all-oral treatment may soon offer some older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) a way to receive effective care with fewer clinic visits. “The huge benefit to patients is that it’s an all-oral regimen,” said Dr. Tiffany Tanaka, noting that for the right patients, it could make treatment more manageable over time.- A new all-oral treatment option may soon be available for some older adults with AML who cannot tolerate intensive chemotherapy.
- Oral treatment may reduce the need for frequent clinic visits over time, though close monitoring is still important early in care.
- This approach may be most helpful for patients with strong support at home and those who live far from treatment centers.
“The big advantage for patients is that this treatment can be taken by mouth, which may make care feel more manageable,” Dr. Tanaka said.
Read MoreCurrent Treatment Options for AML
Many people diagnosed with AML—especially older adults—are not healthy enough to receive standard, intensive chemotherapy. Current lower-intensity treatments often require daily IV infusions for a week at a time, which can be exhausting. “With IV treatments, patients may need to come into the clinic five to seven days in a row. Oral treatment can reduce that burden,” said Dr. Tiffany Tanaka.Does oral treatment mean no clinic visits?
Even with oral chemotherapy, patients often need close monitoring early on, especially during the first month of treatment. This may include:
- Blood tests
- Transfusions
- Extra visits to manage side effects
“For the first cycle, it might not feel much more convenient,” Dr. Tanaka said. “But for patients who respond well, later cycles often allow them to be home more and come into the clinic less often.”
Some doctors will still prefer to start with IV treatment, primarily becuase Frequent clinic visits can actually be helpful at the beginning. “The benefit of coming in every day is that the care team gets to see the patient closely,” Dr. Tanaka explained.
Because of this, some doctors may start patients on IV treatment first and switch to oral treatment once patients understand how they feel on therapy.
Who would make the best candidate for INQOVI?
- Someone who is older or medically fragile
- Patients who live far from a cancer center
- Someone with caregiver who can help watch for side effects
- The ability to communicate quickly with their care team if problems arise
“For the older patient or the patient who lives farther away, this can be really helpful,” Dr. Tanaka said. “It’s reassuring to know that it’s generally well tolerated and works similarly to existing options.”
Questions you may want to ask your doctor if this treatment becomes available.
- Am I eligible for lower-intensity AML treatment?
- Would oral chemotherapy be safe for me?
- How often would I still need to come into the clinic at first?
- What side effects should I watch for at home?
- Would it make sense to start with IV treatment and switch later?
- When might this option realistically be available to me?
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