azacitidine + homoharringtonine

Azacitidine + homoharringtonine is a combination therapy used primarily in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent that works by inhibiting DNA methyltransferases, leading to DNA hypomethylation and reactivation of silenced genes. Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a plant alkaloid derived from Cephalotaxus mannii found in southern China. It reduces MCL1 expression, blocks short-half-life oncoproteins, and induces apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells. This combination has shown promising efficacy in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory AML patients, with particularly good results when combined with venetoclax (VAH regimen) or with additional agents like cytarabine.

Other names

Aza + HHTVAH (when combined with venetoclax)VAHA (when combined with venetoclax and cytarabine)