Liposomal encapsulated cytarabine and daunorubicin (CPX-351) for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous disease that predominantly affects older adults. Despite recent advances in therapy, outcomes for AML with conventional induction chemotherapy are worse with advanced age. CPX-351 is a liposomal encapsulated formulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin in a 5:1 molar ratio that has been demonstrated to deliver synergistic ratiometric dosing of these drugs in pre-clinical studies. Early phase studies noted the encapsulated formulation of CPX-351 led to the extended duration of detectable cytarabine and daunorubicin levels compared to conventional chemotherapy, which may contribute to prolonged cytopenias. Further clinical trials demonstrated the safety and efficacy of CPX-351 in older adults, particularly those with secondary AML (sAML). The treatment landscape of AML is evolving with the recent approval of multiple therapeutic agents. Further studies are indicated to evaluate the role of CPX-351 potentially in combination with other targeted drugs.