Venetoclax Combined with Azacytidine Can Be a First-line Treatment Option for Elderly Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm

Intern Med. 2023;62(17):2547-2551. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0318-22. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Abstract

An 84-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). We administered combination therapy using venetoclax and azacytidine. We observed neutropenia (Grade 4), thrombocytopenia (Grade 2), and stomatitis (Grade 3). After six cycles of treatment, the BPDCN abnormal cells in the bone marrow specimen almost disappeared, and atypical cells were not detected in a skin biopsy. We propose venetoclax combined with azacytidine as a useful treatment approach in elderly patients, although clinicians should be mindful that therapeutic modifications may be essential to minimize and/or avoid adverse events.

Keywords: azacytidine; blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN); elderly; first-line; venetoclax.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Azacitidine / therapeutic use
  • Dendritic Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myeloproliferative Disorders*
  • Neutropenia*
  • Skin Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • venetoclax
  • Azacitidine