Current treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: The diminishing role of chemoimmunotherapy Review


Authors: Roeker, L. E.; Thompson, M.; Mato, A. R.
Review Title: Current treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: The diminishing role of chemoimmunotherapy
Abstract: In this review, we examine the literature supporting treatment decision making in the front-line and relapsed/refractory settings for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In the front-line setting, novel-agent-based approaches, including continuous Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor-based therapy and time-limited venetoclax with obinutuzumab, have demonstrated survival benefit over chemoimmunotherapy. While novel-agent-based front-line approaches are appropriate for most patients, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) remains a consideration for a selected population of young patients with immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene (IGHV)-mutated disease because of the possibility of a prolonged remission following FCR. As front-line novel-agent-based approaches have not been compared directly, decision making regarding which novel-agent-based approach to use in the front-line setting is often based on comorbidities and shared decision making. In the relapsed/refractory setting, BTK inhibitors, venetoclax-based therapy, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors have demonstrated survival benefit when compared with chemoimmunotherapy regimens. Data to support various treatment sequences are limited, which highlights the need for prospective data to examine the optimal treatment sequence. Finally, we examine therapies with combinations of novel agents, and novel agents in development, including covalent and noncovalent BTK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors, immunotherapies, and cellular therapies. With effective approved options and new agents in development, the role of chemoimmunotherapy in the management of CLL has diminished. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Journal Title: Drugs
Volume: 82
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0012-6667
Publisher: Adis International Ltd  
Date Published: 2022-02-01
Start Page: 133
End Page: 143
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01657-0
PUBMED: 34932207
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 March 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Anthony R Mato
    235 Mato
  2. Lindsey Elizabeth Roeker
    141 Roeker