Enasidenib (Idhifa): IDH2-Mutated AML Treatment
Enasidenib takes a different approach to fighting cancer. Instead of destroying cells, it acts as a "re-educator." In Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with an IDH2 mutation, blood cells get stuck in an immature, cancerous state.
Enasidenib (Idhifa) works by unblocking this maturation process. It inhibits the mutant enzyme, allowing these useless blasts to differentiate into functional, mature infection-fighting cells. This targeted "differentiation therapy" offers a lifeline to patients whose cancer has returned after chemotherapy.
Available as an oral tablet, it allows for convenient home-based treatment.
Indications
- Relapsed or Refractory AML: Treatment for adult patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia that has come back or stopped responding to previous treatments.
- Crucial Requirement: Effective only in patients with a specific IDH2 mutation. An FDA-approved companion diagnostic test is mandatory before starting therapy to ensure the drug finds its target.
Dosage and administration
The dosing regimen is straightforward.
- Standard Dose: 100 mg taken orally once daily.
- Instructions: Swallow the tablet whole with a cup of water at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Do not chew or split the tablet.
- Duration: Treatment usually continues for at least 6 months to allow time for a clinical response, provided the side effects are manageable.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (severe risk of birth defects).
- Known hypersensitivity to Enasidenib.
Two specific side effects distinguish this drug from others.
- Differentiation Syndrome (Emergency): As cancer cells mature rapidly, they can release substances causing fever, shortness of breath, and rapid weight gain/swelling. Seek medical help immediately if these occur.
- Elevated Bilirubin (Yellowing): Very common (up to 80%). Patients often develop yellow skin or eyes. Unlike typical liver damage, this is often due to the drug's direct effect on bilirubin metabolism and may not require stopping treatment, but lab tests are essential to confirm safety.
- Digestive: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine.
List of medicines by active substance Enasidenib
✅ All products loaded (1)