volasertib + cytarabine

**Volasertib + cytarabine** is a combination regimen being investigated primarily for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients ineligible for intensive remission induction therapy. Volasertib is a potent and selective inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a critical enzyme involved in cell cycle regulation, particularly mitosis, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptosis in dividing cancer cells[1][7][2][3][5]. Cytarabine, a nucleoside analog, is an antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis, leading to the death of rapidly proliferating cells. Clinical studies have used low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) combined with volasertib, showing additive effects in AML including an increase in complete remission rates and longer event-free survival compared to cytarabine alone[2][3][5]. This combination is not approved; volasertib received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in combination with LDAC for AML[7].

Other names

volasertib + LDACvolasertib + low-dose cytarabine