Venetoclax and bone density

[Atds]

Has anyone found that venetoclax affects bone density or muscle mass?

[PlanetaryKim]

This letter in The lancet (2016) says Venetoclax may have a positive effect on bone health. thelancet.com/journals/lano...

[MelioraDay]

My bone density increased by 7% after 1.5 years on Venetoclax. I went from osteoporosis to osteopenia on my dexascan.

[PlanetaryKim in reply to MelioraDay]

That is very encouraging. Glad to know this!

[Ellieoak]

Yes I tested normal after being osteopenia for several years. I have been on Venteaclax for 1 yr 2 months.

[Nicebaps]

I've been on full dose of Venetoclax since August 2017 so this is very interesting. I'll mention it to my consultant when we next meet.

[Italianpainter]

So far, no. I've been on ibrutinib for 3 courses and just started venetoclax. What did occur just before starting venetoclax was a spontaneous spinal fracture at T12. Currently my bone density is that of a 21 yr old woman and I am 72! The nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt's spine center felt that it had to be the CLL that caused the break, which is not very bad, by the way. If you google cll and spinal fracture an article will come up that says the cancer cells "interfere with normal bone metabolism " basically preventing the deposition of calcium back into the bones. Usually a finding of hypercalcemia is found in the blood work. I don't have that. I am a very active person and probably do things that are too heavy for me like lifting my kayak into the car or deconstructing a concrete block wall and rebuilding it with natural cobblestone. That's when I decided I needed a contractor!

So that's my take on bone density. It wasn't the case for me at least so far. As far as muscle mass is concerned I make a point of exercising every day even though I'd rather sit with my heating pad and kindle. So far I've not lost any muscle mass.

What can tell you I did experience was a huge proliferation of those curious painful red lumps all over me. Several of you helped me when I asked if anyone else had ever experienced them. The lumps have come on like gang busters. I can't even count how many I have now. But so far the i and v treatment appears to be working and that's worth the inconvenience of the side effects. So my advice would be to keep or start exercising. Do what you can to keep your body strong. Good luck to you!

Pat

[mickimauser11]

there is an article about Venetoclax and bones published on fb by cllsociety.org