How it is administered

Glasdegib is taken by mouth as a tablet, once daily. It is available in 100 mg and 25 mg film-coated tablets. The tablets should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. Do not split or crush the tablets. If a dose is missed or vomited, do not take an extra dose; just take the next dose as scheduled.

How it works

Glasdegib is a type of medication known as a hedgehog pathway inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called Smoothened, which is involved in the hedgehog signaling pathway. This pathway is important for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells, including those in some types of blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

By inhibiting this pathway, glasdegib can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. In clinical studies, when used in combination with low-dose cytarabine (a chemotherapy drug), glasdegib was shown to reduce tumor size and decrease the number of leukemia cells in the bone marrow more effectively than either drug alone. This makes it a useful option for patients who cannot tolerate more intensive chemotherapy.

Who Should take it

Glasdegib is specifically indicated for adults with newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are 75 years or older, or for those who have other health conditions (comorbidities) that make them unable to receive intensive induction chemotherapy. It is always used in combination with low-dose cytarabine.

This medication is not intended for use in children, and its safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and to discuss whether glasdegib is appropriate for your individual situation.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for glasdegib, but it should not be used during pregnancy because it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 30 days after the last dose. Men with female partners should also use contraception during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose, as the drug can be present in semen.

Patients should not donate blood or blood products while taking glasdegib and for at least 30 days after stopping the medication. If you have a history of long QT syndrome, uncontrolled heart disease, or are taking other medications that prolong the QT interval, you should discuss this with your doctor, as glasdegib can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems.

Commonly used with

Glasdegib is always used in combination with low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of AML in the approved indication. Cytarabine is a chemotherapy drug that helps kill cancer cells, and using it together with glasdegib has been shown to improve outcomes compared to cytarabine alone.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, glasdegib has been tested in combination with low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of newly-diagnosed AML in older adults or those with comorbidities. It is not commonly tested with other chemotherapy agents for blood cancers in the approved setting.