Combination of Venetoclax and Azacitidine for Untreated AML Patients Not Eligible for Standard Therapy

A Single-arm, Pilot Study of Venetoclax in Combination with 5 Days Azacitidine in Treatment-naïve Subjects with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Who Are ≥18 Years of Age and Not Eligible for Standard Induction Therapy (VENAZA-5S PILOT TRIAL)

Phase 2 Interventional University of Leipzig · NCT05833438

This study is testing a new treatment combining Venetoclax and a shorter version of Azacitidine for people with untreated acute myeloid leukemia who can't receive standard therapy, to see if it helps them feel better with fewer side effects.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Leipzig Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsChimeric Antigen Receptor
Locations10 sites (Berlin and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05833438 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial investigates the combination of continuous oral Venetoclax (VEN) and a modified 5-day regimen of subcutaneous Azacitidine (AZA) for patients with untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are ineligible for standard induction therapy. The aim is to reduce the hematological toxicity associated with the standard 7-day AZA regimen while maintaining efficacy. By decreasing the duration of AZA administration, the study seeks to improve patient tolerability, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance overall quality of life. This single-arm study will compare outcomes with a historical control group treated with the standard regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of AML who are ineligible for standard induction therapy due to age or comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with prior treatment for AML or myelodysplastic syndrome, or those with specific favorable-risk karyotype abnormalities, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved tolerability and adherence to treatment for elderly or comorbid AML patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar combinations of Venetoclax and Azacitidine, but this specific modification of treatment duration is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key Inclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed diagnosis of AML by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria 2016
* Ineligible for treatment with a standard cytarabine and anthracycline induction regimen due to age or comorbidities
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Life expectancy of at least 12 weeks

Key Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior treatment for AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with one of the following:

  * Hypomethylating agent (HMA)
  * Chemotherapeutic agent
  * Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy
  * Experimental therapies
  * Note: Prior use of hydroxyurea is allowed
* History of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)
* Diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
* Presence of favorable-risk karyotype abnormalities: t(15;17), t(8;21), inv(16) or t(16;16)

Where this trial is running

Berlin and 9 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Myeloid LeukemiaVenclyxtoVenetoclaxAzacitidineHematologic DiseasesAcute Myelogenous Leukemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.