volasertib + decitabine

rejuvenative: **Volasertib + decitabine** is an experimental combination therapy evaluated for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults (≥65 years) ineligible for standard intensive chemotherapy. **Volasertib** is a selective, potent small molecule inhibitor of cell-cycle kinase **Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)**, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. It also inhibits other related kinases (PLK2 and PLK3) and may inhibit bromodomain and extraterminal family protein BRD4 in vitro. **Decitabine** is a hypomethylating agent that inhibits **DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase**, causing DNA hypomethylation, reactivation of silenced tumor suppressor genes, decreased neoplastic proliferation, and increased expression of tumor suppressors. The combination was tested in phase 1 and early phase 2 trials, showing acceptable safety, determination of maximum tolerated dose, and modest response rates, but studies were **terminated** before reaching advanced development.