Abstract
Introduction: The treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia remains challenging, especially in older adults or those unfit for intensive induction therapy or allogeneic stem cell transplant. Sapacitabine is a novel, rationally-designed, orally administered nucleoside analog that has shown promising activity in early clinical trials in acute myelogenous leukemia. Areas covered: This review covers the biochemical and pharmacologic properties of the drug with a focus on the clinical activity, safety and tolerability of sapacitabine in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia. Expert opinion: Sapacitabine is a promising orally administered drug in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia. While clinical data have failed to show significant benefit as a single agent, the drug has demonstrated clinical activity as monotherapy. Early clinical data has shown encouraging results in combinations with other agents.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.