Overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therapeutic activation of apoptosis in cancer cells using the BCL-2 inhibitor (BCL2i) venetoclax has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, both as monotherapy and combination regimens. However, patients with CLL experience a highly variable clinical course, facing significant challenges in advanced stages due to disease relapse and the emergence of resistant clones. Resistance mechanisms include acquired BCL-2 mutations, alteration of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic changes, and aberrant signaling pathways. To address this complex disease and improve progression-free survival, strategies targeting multiple signaling pathways and mechanisms have been explored. Randomized clinical trials of venetoclax in combination with Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors or CD20 monoclonal antibodies have significantly outperformed traditional chemoimmunotherapy in both treatment-naïve and relapsed patients, achieving undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD) and durable remissions. This review explores the intricate balance between BCL-2 family proteins and their role in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, discusses venetoclax resistance mechanisms, and highlights the evolving role of venetoclax and other BCL2i-based combination therapies in CLL treatment.
Keywords: BCL2i; chronic lymphocytic leukemia; clinical trials; drug resistance; venetoclax.