Enteral tube administration of extemporaneously compounded suspensions of venetoclax according to an institutional medication use process

Abstract

Introduction

Venetoclax is a potent oral oncology drug (OOD) frequently used to treat hematologic cancers due to its convenience and high efficacy. However, some patients cannot tolerate solid oral formulations, requiring a reformulated version of venetoclax for effective administration. Currently, there is limited information in the literature regarding the extemporaneous compounding of venetoclax.

Methods

We present our institution's medication use process (MUP) for preparing compounded suspensions of venetoclax for patients with dysphagia who cannot tolerate solid oral formulations. This report has two main aims: to review our MUP from design to implementation, illustrated with real patient cases, and to present it as a strategy for administering venetoclax-based therapies to patients with dysphagia or feeding tubes. From February 2020 to January 2024, 17 patients received venetoclax through the standard MUP, with four developing tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). This study describes their clinical courses and evaluates their responses to the compounded suspensions, considering the uncertain effects of venetoclax prepared through this method.

Results

The four patients received venetoclax suspensions during hospitalization due to swallowing difficulties or nutritional support needs. We prepared extemporaneous venetoclax suspensions to ensure continuous therapy, thus avoiding treatment interruptions. TLS was managed using rasburicase and prophylactic allopurinol.

Conclusions

The clinical outcomes indicate that the current MUP provides a practical approach to administering venetoclax for dysphagic patients. However, additional research is needed to determine if there are pharmacokinetic differences in the bioavailability of venetoclax between oral and enterally delivered formulations. Further studies will help inform best practices for patient care.