An evaluation of glasdegib for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia
Xavier Thomas, Maël Heiblig
Abstract
Introduction Despite recent advances in the treatment of adult acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the overall outcome remains dismal especially in high-risk AML patients, including the elderly and the relapsed/refractory populations. In this setting, various clinical trials have recently explored novel therapeutic agents either used alone or in combination with intensive chemotherapy or low-intensity treatments.Areas covered The current paper reviews the clinical development of glasdegib, a selective inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway through binding to its target SMO, for the treatment of AML.Expert opinion Glasdegib confirmed its efficacy and showed an acceptable tolerability, especially when used in combination either with ‘3 + 7ʹ chemotherapy or with low-intensity therapies. In 2018, glasdegib was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combination with low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in patients older than 75 years or presenting with severe comorbidities.