1
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Tam C, Zhao FL, Azam S, Li SC, Tang B. Real-world treatment patterns and outcomes for patients with CLL using the Australian pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) dataset. Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38967513 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2374040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This real-world retrospective cohort study using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 10% investigated changes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment by line of therapy, time-to-next-treatment, treatment duration, and overall survival (OS). Overall, 803 patients received their first PBS-reimbursed CLL medication between 1 January 2011 to 31 July 2021 (median age: 70 years; 64.6% male), 289 post-1 August 2020. In 2011, most first-line (1 L) prescribing was fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR). By 2021, common 1L were chlorambucil ± CD20 (26.1%), Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi) (26.1%), and CD20 monotherapy (23.9%). In 2011, relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL treatment was CD20 monotherapy or FCR. By 2021, BTKi (57.7%) and venetoclax ± CD20 (26.1%) were most common. Compared to FCR, 1 L treatment duration (Hazard Ratio) was shorter for CD20 monotherapy (1.7) or chlorambucil ± CD20 (2.5). In R/R CLL, median duration was 24 (ibrutinib) and 19 months (venetoclax). Median OS was 127 months. CLLtreatment pattern shave greatly changed in Australia since the introduction of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine Tam
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Leukemia, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Fei-Li Zhao
- BeiGene Proprietary Limited, Sydney,Australia
| | - Safee Azam
- Prospection Proprietary Limited, Australia
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Stilgenbauer S, Tausch E, Roberts AW, Davids MS, Eichhorst B, Hallek M, Hillmen P, Schneider C, Schetelig J, Böttcher S, Kater AP, Jiang Y, Boyer M, Popovic R, Ghanim MT, Moran M, Sinai WJ, Wang X, Mukherjee N, Chyla B, Wierda WG, Seymour JF. Six-year follow-up and subgroup analyses of a phase 2 trial of venetoclax for del(17p) chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1992-2004. [PMID: 38290108 PMCID: PMC11024923 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chromosome 17p deletion (del[17p]) is associated with poor prognosis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Venetoclax is approved for treatment of previously untreated and relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL, including patients with del(17p), based on the open-label, multicenter, phase 2 M13-982 trial (NCT01889186). Here, we detail the 6-year follow-up analysis for M13-982. A total of 158 patients with previously untreated (n = 5) or R/R (n = 153) del(17p) CLL received 400 mg venetoclax daily after initial ramp-up until progressive disease. After a median follow-up of 70 months, the best objective response rate (ORR) was 77% (21% complete remission [CR] and 49% partial remission [PR]), with a median duration of response (DOR) of 39.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.1-50.5). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 28.2 months (95% CI, 23.4-37.6), and median overall survival (OS) was 62.5 months (95% CI, 51.7-not reached), with 16% of patients remaining on treatment after 6 years. Multivariable analysis did not identify statistically significant correlation between patient subgroups defined by clinical or laboratory variables and ORR or PFS. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (42%), infections (33%), anemia (16%), and thrombocytopenia (16%). Post hoc comparative analyses of PFS and OS from treatment initiation, from a 24-month landmark, and by minimal residual disease status were performed between patients with del(17p) in the M13-982 and MURANO studies in the interest of understanding these data in another context. These long-term data show the continued benefits of venetoclax in patients with del(17p) CLL. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01889186.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugen Tausch
- Division of CLL, Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrew W. Roberts
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew S. Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Barbara Eichhorst
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Hillmen
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Johannes Schetelig
- Medical Clinic I, Department of Hematology, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Böttcher
- Division of Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic III-Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Arnon P. Kater
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William G. Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - John F. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Di Pasqua LG, Abdallah MM, Feletti F, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Venetoclax-Related Neutropenia in Leukemic Patients: A Comprehensive Review of the Underlying Causes, Risk Factors, and Management. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:484. [PMID: 38675444 PMCID: PMC11054081 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetic currently approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has proven to be highly effective in reinstating apoptosis in leukemic cells through the highly selective inhibition of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Clinically, venetoclax has provided lasting remissions through the inhibition of CLL and AML blasts. However, this activity has often come at the cost of grade III/IV neutropenia due to hematopoietic cells' dependence on Bcl-2 for survival. As life-threatening infections are an important complication in these patients, an effective management of neutropenia is indispensable to maximize patient outcomes. While there is general consensus over dose reduction and scheduling modifications to minimize the risk of neutropenia, the impact of these modifications on survival is uncertain. Moreover, guidelines do not yet adequately account for patient-specific and disease-specific risk factors that may predict toxicity, or the role combination treatment plays in exacerbating neutropenia. The objective of this review is to discuss the venetoclax-induced mechanism of hematological toxicity, the potential predictive risk factors that affect patient vulnerability to neutropenia, and the current consensus on practices for management of neutropenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Lew TE, Bennett R, Lin VS, Whitechurch A, Handunnetti SM, Marlton P, Shen Y, Mulligan SP, Casan J, Blombery P, Tam CS, Roberts AW, Seymour JF, Thompson PA, Anderson MA. Venetoclax-rituximab is active in patients with BTKi-exposed CLL, but durable treatment-free remissions are uncommon. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1439-1443. [PMID: 38231032 PMCID: PMC10955641 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Lew
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rory Bennett
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Victor S. Lin
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley Whitechurch
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Paula Marlton
- Department of Hematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yandong Shen
- Department of Haematology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen P. Mulligan
- Department of Haematology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Haematology and Flow Cytometry, Laverty Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua Casan
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Piers Blombery
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Andrew W. Roberts
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John F. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip A. Thompson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary A. Anderson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Reyes A, Siddiqi T. Targeting BCL2 pathways in CLL: a story of resistance and ingenuity. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:828-837. [PMID: 38263980 PMCID: PMC10804389 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is common amongst leukemic malignancies, prompting dedicated investigation throughout the years. Over the last decade, the treatment for CLL has significantly advanced with agents targeting B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and CD20. Single agents or combinations of these targets have proven efficacy. Unfortunately, resistance to one or multiple of the new treatment targets develops. Our review investigates various mechanisms of resistance to BCL2 inhibitors, including mutations in BCL2, alterations in the Bcl protein pathway, epigenetic modifications, genetic heterogeneity, Richter transformation, and alterations in oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, the review will discuss potential avenues to overcome this resistance with novel agents such as bispecific antibodies, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) degraders, non-covalent BTK inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Reyes
- Hematology & Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Kolijn PM, Langerak AW. Immune dysregulation as a leading principle for lymphoma development in diverse immunological backgrounds. Immunol Lett 2023; 263:46-59. [PMID: 37774986 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from lymphocytes, which poses a significant challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment due to its diverse subtypes and underlying mechanisms. This review aims to explore the shared and distinct features of various forms of lymphoma predisposing conditions, with a focus on genetic, immunological and molecular aspects. While diseases such as autoimmune disorders, inborn errors of immunity and iatrogenic immunodeficiencies are biologically and immunologically distinct, each of these diseases results in profound immune dysregulation and a predisposition to lymphoma development. Interestingly, the increased risk is often skewed towards a particular subtype of lymphoma. Patients with inborn errors of immunity in particular present with extreme forms of lymphoma predisposition, providing a unique opportunity to study the underlying mechanisms. External factors such as chronic infections and environmental exposures further modulate the risk of lymphoma development. Common features of conditions predisposing to lymphoma include: persistent inflammation, recurrent DNA damage or malfunctioning DNA repair, impaired tumor surveillance and viral clearance, and dysregulation of fundamental cellular processes such as activation, proliferation and apoptosis. Our growing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of lymphomagenesis provides opportunities for early detection, prevention and tailored treatment of lymphoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Martijn Kolijn
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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7
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Xu J, Dong X, Huang DCS, Xu P, Zhao Q, Chen B. Current Advances and Future Strategies for BCL-2 Inhibitors: Potent Weapons against Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4957. [PMID: 37894324 PMCID: PMC10605442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway regulated by B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) antiapoptotic proteins can overcome the evasion of apoptosis in cancer cells. BCL-2 inhibitors have evolved into an important means of treating cancers by inducing tumor cell apoptosis. As the most extensively investigated BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax is highly selective for BCL-2 and can effectively inhibit tumor survival. Its emergence and development have significantly influenced the therapeutic landscape of hematological malignancies, especially in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, in which it has been clearly incorporated into the recommended treatment regimens. In addition, the considerable efficacy of venetoclax in combination with other agents has been demonstrated in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas. Although venetoclax plays a prominent antitumor role in preclinical experiments and clinical trials, large individual differences in treatment outcomes have been characterized in real-world patient populations, and reduced drug sensitivity will lead to disease recurrence or progression. The therapeutic efficacy may vary widely in patients with different molecular characteristics, and key genetic mutations potentially result in differential sensitivities to venetoclax. The identification and validation of more novel biomarkers are required to accurately predict the effectiveness of BCL-2 inhibition therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the recent research progress relating to the use of BCL-2 inhibitors in solid tumor treatment and demonstrate that a wealth of preclinical models have shown promising results through combination therapies. The applications of venetoclax in solid tumors warrant further clinical investigation to define its prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, China-Australia Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (J.X.); (X.D.); (P.X.)
| | - Xiaoqing Dong
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, China-Australia Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (J.X.); (X.D.); (P.X.)
| | - David C. S. Huang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Peipei Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, China-Australia Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (J.X.); (X.D.); (P.X.)
| | - Quan Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, China-Australia Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (J.X.); (X.D.); (P.X.)
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, China-Australia Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (J.X.); (X.D.); (P.X.)
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8
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There have been significant advances in the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) over the past two decades. However, the intention of treatment remains control of the disease and delay of progression rather than a cure which remains largely elusive. Considering that CLL is mostly seen in older patients, there are multiple factors that play a role in the selection of CLL beyond the frontline treatment. Here, we review the concept of relapsed CLL, factors that predispose to relapse, and therapeutic options available to this patient population. We also review investigational therapies and provide a framework for selection of therapies in this setting. RECENT FINDINGS Targeted therapies with continuous BTK inhibitors (BTKi) or fixed duration venetoclax plus anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy have established superiority over chemoimmunotherapy in relapsed CLL and have become the preferred standard of care treatment. The second-generation more selective BTK inhibitors (acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib) have shown improved safety profile compared to ibrutinib. However, resistance to the covalent BTK inhibitors may emerge and is commonly associated with mutations in BTK or other downstream enzymes. The novel non-covalent BTK inhibitors such as pirtobrutinib (Loxo-305) and nemtabrutinib (ARQ 531) are showing promising activities for relapsed CLL refractory to prior covalent BTKi. Other novel therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy have also shown significant activities for relapsed and refractory CLL. Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment has a growing importance in venetoclax-based limited-duration therapy and there is mounting evidence that MRD negativity improves outcomes. However, it remains to be seen if this will become an established clinically significant endpoint. Further, the optimal sequence of various treatment options remains to be determined. Patients with relapsed CLL now have more options for the treatment of the disease. The choice of therapy is best individualized especially in the absence of direct comparisons of targeted therapies, and the coming years will bring more data on the best sequence of use of the therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatobi Odetola
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 805, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Shuo Ma
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 805, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Bennett R, Anderson MA, Seymour JF. Unresolved questions in selection of therapies for treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:72. [PMID: 37422670 PMCID: PMC10329329 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01469-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) continues to undergo considerable evolution. Optimal selection of initial therapy from multiple effective options provides a major challenge for clinicians, who need to consider both disease and patient factors in conjunction with a view to sequencing available therapies in event of disease relapse. REVIEW We explore the most topical clinically relevant unresolved questions through discussion of important available pertinent literature and propose expert opinion based on these data. (1) Shrinking role of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT); while novel therapies are generally superior, we highlight the utility of FCR for IGHV-mutated CLL. (2) Choosing between inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTKi); while efficacy between agents is likely similar there are important differences in toxicity profiles, including the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension. (3) BTKi with or without anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAb); while obinutuzumab-acalabrutinib (AO) may confer superior progression-free survival to acalabrutinib (Acala), this is not true of rituximab (Ritux) to ibrutinib (Ib)-we highlight that potential for increased side effects should be carefully considered. (4) Continuous BTKi versus time-limited venetoclax-obinutuzumab (VenO); we propose that venetoclax (Ven)-based therapy is generally preferable to BTKi with exception of TP53 aberrant disease. (5) BTKi-Ven versus VenO as preferred time-limited therapy; we discuss comparable efficacies and the concerns about simultaneous 1L exposure to both BTKi and Ven drug classes. (6) Utility of triplet therapy (BTKi-Ven-antiCD20 mAb) versus VenO; similar rates of complete response are observed yet with greater potential for adverse events. (7) Optimal therapy for TP53 aberrant CLL; while limited data are available, there are likely effective novel therapy combinations for TP53 aberrant disease including BTKi, BTKi-Ven ± antiCD20 mAb. CONCLUSION Frontline therapy for CLL should be selected based on efficacy considering the patient specific biologic profile of their disease and potential toxicities, considering patient comorbidities and preferences. With the present paradigm of sequencing effective agents, 1L combinations of novel therapies should be used with caution in view of potential adverse events and theoretical resistance mechanism concerns in the absence of compelling randomized data to support augmented efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Bennett
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Division of Blood Cells and Blood Cancer, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1G, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - John F Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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10
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Seymour JF. Approach to relapsed CLL including Richter Transformation. Hematol Oncol 2023; 41 Suppl 1:136-143. [PMID: 37294971 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John F Seymour
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Lovell AR, Sawyers J, Bose P. An update on the efficacy of Venetoclax for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1307-1316. [PMID: 37226798 PMCID: PMC11253904 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2218545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has dramatically changed the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and has introduced the concept of time-limited therapy with targeted agents. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the mechanism of action of venetoclax, adverse effects, and the clinical data with this agent as identified by a selective search of clinical trials in the PubMed database. Venetoclax is FDA-approved with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies; however, research is ongoing evaluating its efficacy when given in combination with other agents, such as the Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Venetoclax-based therapy is an excellent treatment option for patients interested in time-limited therapy and can be offered in both the front-line and relapsed/refractory settings. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) risk evaluation, preventative measures, and strict monitoring should be conducted, while these patients ramp up to target dose. Venetoclax-based therapies produce deep and durable responses with patients often achieving undetectable measurable residual disease (uMRD). This has led to a discussion of MRD-driven, finite-duration treatment approaches, although longer term data is still needed. While many patients eventually lose uMRD status, re-treatment with venetoclax remains an area of interest with promising results. Mechanisms of resistance to venetoclax are being elucidated, and research is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R. Lovell
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Jacki Sawyers
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
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12
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Torka P, Kambhampati S, Chen L, Wang X, Chen C, Vuong D, Qin H, Muir A, Orand K, Borja I, Lynne Smith D, Herrera AF, Spurgeon SEF, Park B, Lewis LD, Hernandez-Ilizaliturri F, Xia Z, Danilov AV. Pevonedistat, a Nedd8-activating enzyme inhibitor, in combination with ibrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:9. [PMID: 36631449 PMCID: PMC9834208 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00763-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pevonedistat (TAK924) is a Nedd8-activating enzyme inhibitor with preclinical activity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This open-label, Phase I, multicenter, investigator-sponsored study enrolled patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) NHL and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The primary objective was safety. Pevonedistat was given intravenously on days 1, 3, 5 of a 21-day cycle for 8 cycles at five dose levels (15 to 50 mg/m2); ibrutinib was administered at 420 or 560 mg orally daily continuously. Eighteen patients with NHL were enrolled, including 8 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and 4 patients with CLL. One dose-limiting toxicity (mediastinal hemorrhage) occurred at 50 mg/m2 of pevonedistat which is the estimated maximum tolerated dose. Bruising and diarrhea were the most common adverse events (56% and 44%). Atrial fibrillation occurred in 3 patients (17%). Grade ≥3 toxicities included arthralgia, atrial fibrillation, bone pain, diarrhea, hypertension, and mediastinal hemorrhage (one patient each). The overall response rate (ORR) was 65% (100% ORR in MCL). Pevonedistat disposition was not modified by ibrutinib. scRNA-Seq analysis showed that pevonedistat downregulated NFκB signaling in malignant B-cells in vivo. Thus, pevonedistat combined with ibrutinib demonstrated safety and promising early efficacy in NHL and CLL. NAE inhibition downregulated NFκB signaling in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallawi Torka
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Lu Chen
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Canping Chen
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dan Vuong
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hanjun Qin
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Kirsten Orand
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ivana Borja
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - D Lynne Smith
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Byung Park
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lionel D Lewis
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Dept. of Medicine, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Zheng Xia
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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13
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Spaner DE, Luo TY, Wang G, Schreiber G, Harari D, Shi Y. Paradoxical activation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells by ruxolitinib in vitro and in vivo. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1043694. [PMID: 37114129 PMCID: PMC10126367 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1043694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by an aberrant cytokine network that can support tumor growth by triggering janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathways. Targeting cytokine-signaling should then be a rational therapeutic strategy but the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib failed to control and seemingly accelerated the disease in clinical trials. Methods The effect of ruxolitinib on primary human CLL cells was studied in vitro and in vivo. Results Ruxolitinib increased phosphorylation of IRAK4, an important toll-like receptor (TLR)- signaling intermediate, in circulating CLL cells in vitro. It also enhanced p38 and NFKB1 phosphorylation while lowering STAT3 phosphorylation in CLL cells activated with TLR-7/8 agonists and IL-2. Among the cytokines made by activated CLL cells, high levels of IL-10 contributed strongly to STAT3 phosphorylation and inhibited TLR7 activity. Ruxolitinib limited TLR-mediated IL10 transcription and markedly reduced IL-10 production in vitro. It also decreased blood levels of IL-10 while increasing TNFα along with phospho-p38 expression and gene sets associated with TLR-activation in CLL cells in vivo. The bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib decreased IL-10 production in vitro but, in contrast to ruxolitinib, blocked initial IL10 transcription induced by TLR-signaling in vitro, decreased TNFα production, and deactivates CLL cells in vivo. Discussion These findings suggest the possible benefits of inhibiting growth factors with JAK inhibitors in CLL are outweighed by negative effects on potential tumor suppressors such as IL-10 that allow unrestrained activation of NFκB by drivers such as TLRs. Specific inhibition of growth-promoting cytokines with blocking antibodies or infusing suppressive cytokines like IL-10 might be better strategies to manipulate cytokines in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Spaner
- Biology Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Hematology, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: David E. Spaner,
| | - Tina YuXuan Luo
- Biology Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Guizhi Wang
- Biology Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gideon Schreiber
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Harari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yonghong Shi
- Biology Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Kaloni D, Diepstraten ST, Strasser A, Kelly GL. BCL-2 protein family: attractive targets for cancer therapy. Apoptosis 2023; 28:20-38. [PMID: 36342579 PMCID: PMC9950219 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cell death is a hallmark of cancer. The BCL-2 protein family members play important roles in controlling apoptotic cell death. Abnormal over-expression of pro-survival BCL-2 family members or abnormal reduction of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, both resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis, are frequently detected in diverse malignancies. The critical role of the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in the regulation of apoptosis makes them attractive targets for the development of agents for the treatment of cancer. This review describes the roles of the various pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family in normal development and organismal function and how defects in the control of apoptosis promote the development and therapy resistance of cancer. Finally, we discuss the development of inhibitors of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins, termed BH3-mimetic drugs, as novel agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Kaloni
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sarah T Diepstraten
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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15
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Selecting initial therapy in CLL. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:323-328. [PMID: 36485152 PMCID: PMC9820765 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapy is a powerful treatment option in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that has outperformed conventional chemoimmunotherapy in most clinical settings. Except for selected young, fit patients with a mutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene, most patients benefit from targeted therapy with either a continuous BTK inhibitor or 1-year fixed-duration venetoclax-obinutuzumab as first-line treatment of CLL. Treatment selection is driven by patient-, treatment-, and disease-related factors, encompassing patient preference, concomitant medications, comorbidities, safety profile of the regimen, and TP53 aberration. Clinical trials are actively investigating the simultaneous inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) proteins with or without a CD20 monoclonal antibody, which can achieve deep response in most patients (52%-89% undetectable minimal residual disease in bone marrow).
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16
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Wierda WG, Kipps TJ, Al-Sawaf O, Chyla B, Biondo JML, Mun Y, Jiang Y, Seymour JF. Utility of measurable residual disease for predicting treatment outcomes with BCR- and BCL2-Targeted therapies in patients with CLL. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:2765-2784. [PMID: 35983732 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2098291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors targeting B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway proteins and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are recommended in the first-line and relapsed/refractory disease settings. Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an important prognostic tool in patients treated with the BCL2-targeted agent, venetoclax. We explored the relationship between MRD status and progression-free (PFS)/overall survival (OS) in patients with CLL, following treatment with novel BCR- and BCL2-targeted agents. Compared with chemoimmunotherapy, higher rates of undetectable (u)MRD were achieved with BCL2-targeted therapies; achieving uMRD status was associated with longer PFS and OS than MRD-positivity. Continuous treatment with BCR-targeted agents did not achieve uMRD status in many patients, and outcomes were not correlated with uMRD status. Future clinical trials of targeted treatment combinations could be designed to demonstrate uMRD as a treatment objective, and allow a response-driven, personalized strategy to optimize treatment and improve OS outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Othman Al-Sawaf
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne Aachen Cologne Bonn Düsseldorf, German CLL Study Group, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Yong Mun
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - John F Seymour
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital & University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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17
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Thijssen R, Tian L, Anderson MA, Flensburg C, Jarratt A, Garnham AL, Jabbari JS, Peng H, Lew TE, Teh CE, Gouil Q, Georgiou A, Tan T, Djajawi TM, Tam CS, Seymour JF, Blombery P, Gray DH, Majewski IJ, Ritchie ME, Roberts AW, Huang DC. Single-cell multiomics reveal the scale of multilayered adaptations enabling CLL relapse during venetoclax therapy. Blood 2022; 140:2127-2141. [PMID: 35709339 PMCID: PMC10653037 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax (VEN) inhibits the prosurvival protein BCL2 to induce apoptosis and is a standard therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), delivering high complete remission rates and prolonged progression-free survival in relapsed CLL but with eventual loss of efficacy. A spectrum of subclonal genetic changes associated with VEN resistance has now been described. To fully understand clinical resistance to VEN, we combined single-cell short- and long-read RNA-sequencing to reveal the previously unappreciated scale of genetic and epigenetic changes underpinning acquired VEN resistance. These appear to be multilayered. One layer comprises changes in the BCL2 family of apoptosis regulators, especially the prosurvival family members. This includes previously described mutations in BCL2 and amplification of the MCL1 gene but is heterogeneous across and within individual patient leukemias. Changes in the proapoptotic genes are notably uncommon, except for single cases with subclonal losses of BAX or NOXA. Much more prominent was universal MCL1 gene upregulation. This was driven by an overlying layer of emergent NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation, which persisted in circulating cells during VEN therapy. We discovered that MCL1 could be a direct transcriptional target of NF-κB. Both the switch to alternative prosurvival factors and NF-κB activation largely dissipate following VEN discontinuation. Our studies reveal the extent of plasticity of CLL cells in their ability to evade VEN-induced apoptosis. Importantly, these findings pinpoint new approaches to circumvent VEN resistance and provide a specific biological justification for the strategy of VEN discontinuation once a maximal response is achieved rather than maintaining long-term selective pressure with the drug.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- NF-kappa B
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Recurrence
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thijssen
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luyi Tian
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christoffer Flensburg
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Jarratt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra L. Garnham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jafar S. Jabbari
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hongke Peng
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas E. Lew
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Charis E. Teh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Quentin Gouil
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Georgiou
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tania Tan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tirta M. Djajawi
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Constantine S. Tam
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John F. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Piers Blombery
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel H.D. Gray
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ian J. Majewski
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew E. Ritchie
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew W. Roberts
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C.S. Huang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Seymour JF, Kipps TJ, Eichhorst BF, D'Rozario J, Owen CJ, Assouline S, Lamanna N, Robak T, de la Serna J, Jaeger U, Cartron G, Montillo M, Mellink C, Chyla B, Panchal A, Lu T, Wu JQ, Jiang Y, Lefebure M, Boyer M, Kater AP. Enduring undetectable MRD and updated outcomes in relapsed/refractory CLL after fixed-duration venetoclax-rituximab. Blood 2022; 140:839-850. [PMID: 35605176 PMCID: PMC9412011 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021015014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The MURANO trial (A Study to Evaluate the Benefit of Venetoclax Plus Rituximab Compared With Bendamustine Plus Rituximab in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia [CLL]; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier #NCT02005471) reported superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with venetoclax-rituximab (VenR) vs bendamustine-rituximab (BR) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL. Patients were randomized to 2 years of VenR (n = 194; rituximab for the first 6 months) or 6 months of BR (n = 195). Although undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD) was achieved more often with VenR, the long-term implications of uMRD with this fixed-duration, chemotherapy-free regimen have not been explored. We report MRD kinetics and updated outcomes with 5 years' follow-up. Survival benefits with VenR vs BR were sustained (median PFS [95% confidence interval]: 53.6 [48.4, 57.0] vs 17.0 [15.5, 21.7] months, respectively, P < .0001; 5-year OS [95% confidence interval]: 82.1% [76.4, 87.8] vs 62.2% [54.8, 69.6], P < .0001). VenR was superior to BR, regardless of cytogenetic category. VenR-treated patients with uMRD at end of treatment (EOT; n = 83) had superior OS vs those with high-MRD+ (n = 12): 3-year post-EOT survival rates were 95.3% vs 72.9% (P = .039). In those with uMRD at EOT, median time to MRD conversion was 19.4 months. Of 47 patients with documented MRD conversion, 19 developed progressive disease (PD); median time from conversion to PD was 25.2 months. A population-based logistic growth model indicated slower MRD median doubling time post-EOT with VenR (93 days) vs BR (53 days; P = 1.2 × 10-7). No new safety signals were identified. Sustained survival, uMRD benefits, and durable responses support 2-year fixed-duration VenR treatment in R/R CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Seymour
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Barbara F Eichhorst
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Dusseldorf (CIO ABCD), Cologne, Germany
| | - James D'Rozario
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Sarit Assouline
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole Lamanna
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Tadeusz Robak
- Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Ulrich Jaeger
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier (UMR-CNRS 5535), Montpellier, France
| | - Marco Montillo
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Clemens Mellink
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anesh Panchal
- Roche Products Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
| | - Tong Lu
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA; and
| | - Jenny Q Wu
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA; and
| | | | | | | | - Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Briani C, Visentin A, Castellani F, Cacciavillani M, Trentin L. The BCL2 Inhibitor Venetoclax Plus Rituximab Is Active in MYD88 Wild-Type Polyneuropathy With Anti-MAG Antibodies. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/4/e1181. [PMID: 35798560 PMCID: PMC9128027 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ibrutinib is active in anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) polyneuropathy with MYD88L265P mutation; however, its efficacy is likely to be low in MYD88 wild-type patients. Venetoclax, an oral inhibitor of BCL2, in combination with rituximab is highly active in ibrutinib-resistant hematologic malignancies. We report on the first patient with anti-MAG polyneuropathy and MYD88 wild-type who responded to venetoclax-rituximab. METHODS A 62-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had IgM/K anti-MAG neuropathy. She needed bilateral support to walk outdoors, despite therapy with rituximab/cyclophosphamide. Tremor and symptoms at arms prevented her capability of performing common tasks. Bone marrow genetic showed lack of MYD88 mutation. Venetoclax was given orally starting from 20 mg up to 400 mg for 24 months. Rituximab was administrated IV, after the ramp-up phase, at 375 mg/m2 for the second month and then monthly at 500 mg/m2 for months 3-7. RESULTS After 12 months of venetoclax IgM levels decreased from 1.16 to 0.52 g/L, the paraproteins became undetectable and anti-MAG antibody titer decreased. The patient regained the capability of walking independently. Tremor disappeared, she is back able to write and knitt. DISCUSSION The first patient with anti-MAG neuropathy treated with venetoclax-rituximab shows encouraging results. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class IV evidence that for a patient with relapsed anti-MAG antibody polyneuropathy, MYD88 wild-type, venetoclax plus rituximab is effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Briani
- From the Department of Neuroscience (C.B., F.C.), University of Padova; Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit (A.V., L.T.), Department of Medicine, University of Padova; and CEMES (M.C.), Data Medica Group, Padova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Visentin
- From the Department of Neuroscience (C.B., F.C.), University of Padova; Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit (A.V., L.T.), Department of Medicine, University of Padova; and CEMES (M.C.), Data Medica Group, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Castellani
- From the Department of Neuroscience (C.B., F.C.), University of Padova; Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit (A.V., L.T.), Department of Medicine, University of Padova; and CEMES (M.C.), Data Medica Group, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Cacciavillani
- From the Department of Neuroscience (C.B., F.C.), University of Padova; Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit (A.V., L.T.), Department of Medicine, University of Padova; and CEMES (M.C.), Data Medica Group, Padova, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- From the Department of Neuroscience (C.B., F.C.), University of Padova; Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit (A.V., L.T.), Department of Medicine, University of Padova; and CEMES (M.C.), Data Medica Group, Padova, Italy
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20
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Venetoclax retreatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia after a previous venetoclax-based regimen. Blood Adv 2022; 6:4553-4557. [PMID: 35736670 PMCID: PMC9636322 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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21
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Lew TE, Seymour JF. Clinical experiences with venetoclax and other pro-apoptotic agents in lymphoid malignancies: lessons from monotherapy and chemotherapy combination. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:75. [PMID: 35659041 PMCID: PMC9164485 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BH3-mimetics are a novel drug class of small molecule inhibitors of BCL2 family proteins which restore apoptosis in malignant cells. The only currently approved BH3-mimetic, the selective BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax, is highly efficacious in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and has rapidly advanced to an approved standard of care in frontline and relapsed disease in combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. In this context, tumour lysis syndrome and myelosuppression are the most commonly encountered toxicities and are readily manageable with established protocols. Venetoclax is active in other lymphoid malignancies including several B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma, with the highest intrinsic sensitivity observed in mantle cell lymphoma and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Venetoclax combination with standard regimens in follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma and aggressive B cell neoplasms has shown some promise, but further studies are required to optimize dose and scheduling to mitigate increased myelosuppression and infection risk, and to find validated biomarkers of venetoclax sensitivity. Future research will focus on overcoming venetoclax resistance, targeting other BCL2 family members and the rational design of synergistic combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Lew
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - John F Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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22
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Ou Y, Long Y, Ji L, Zhan Y, Qiao T, Wang X, Chen H, Cheng Y. Trends in Disease Burden of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at the Global, Regional, and National Levels From 1990 to 2019, and Projections Until 2030: A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:840616. [PMID: 35359356 PMCID: PMC8961301 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.840616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been improved dramatically, but there are limited studies focusing on CLL disease burden on a global scale. We aimed to evaluate the accurate assessment of the disease burden of CLL that may provide more detailed epidemiological information for rational policies. Methods The main source of the data was the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. Incident cases, death cases, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and their corresponding age-standardized rates (ASRs) from 1990 to 2019 were used to describe the burden of CLL. Data about attributable risk factors were also extracted and analyzed. Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models were used to assess and project the incidence and mortality rates till 2030. Results Globally, the incidence of CLL had been increasing. Deaths and DALYs decreased slightly. The burden of death and DALY is affected by socio-demographic index (SDI). The incidence rate, death rate, and DALY rate of CLL increased significantly with age. Male-to-female ratios of incidence rates varied in different SDI quintiles. Smoking, high body mass index, and occupational exposure to benzene or formaldehyde were the potential risk factors related to CLL. Global ASIRs might tend to increase until 2030, while ASDR would decrease until 2030. Conclusion The disease burden of CLL decreased in higher SDI countries but increased in lower ones. Strategies for early detection of asymptomatic CLL, development of novel drugs, and measures against attributable factors should be implemented to combat CLL burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ou
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichen Long
- School of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Ji
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxia Zhan
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiankui Qiao
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfeng Cheng
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan Hospital Qingpu Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Walter HS, Dyer MJS. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia therapy: is less more? THE LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2022; 9:e169-e171. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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24
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Is BTKi or BCL2i preferable as first novel therapy in patients with CLL? The case for BCL2i. Blood Adv 2021; 6:1365-1370. [PMID: 34965297 PMCID: PMC8864649 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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25
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Moldovianu AM, Crisan AM, Varady Z, Coriu D. The Difficult-to-Treat del 17 p Patient—A Case Report in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 58:medicina58010033. [PMID: 35056341 PMCID: PMC8778873 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment strategies have evolved to include mechanism-driven drugs but now raise new questions regarding their optimum timing and sequencing. In high-risk patients, switching from pathway inhibitors to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is still a matter of intense debate. We report the case of a CLL patient with 17 p deletion treated with ibrutinib as a bridge to allo-HCT. Early relapse after allo-HCT urged the initiation of salvage therapy, including donor lymphocytes infusions, ibrutinib, and venetoclax. We aim to outline and discuss the potential benefits of novel therapies, the current role of allo-HCT in CLL, drug timing and sequencing, and the unmet need to improve the long-term outcome of high-risk CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Moldovianu
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 258 Fundeni Street, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (Z.V.); (D.C.)
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Manuela Crisan
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 258 Fundeni Street, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (Z.V.); (D.C.)
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Zsofia Varady
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 258 Fundeni Street, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (Z.V.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniel Coriu
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 258 Fundeni Street, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (Z.V.); (D.C.)
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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26
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Tam CS. Upfront therapy: the case for continuous treatment. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2021; 2021:55-58. [PMID: 34889433 PMCID: PMC8791150 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2021000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Both BTKi and BCL2i are regarded as standards of care for frontline treatment of CLL. In this paper, I present the arguments for favoring BTKi as initial therapy. Venetoclax-based regimens have the advantage of being fixed in duration, but patients with select high-risk features may experience inferior PFS relative to those without high-risk features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine S. Tam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Seymour JF. The tools to choose: applying indirect treatment comparisons to the selection of frontline targeted therapy for CLL. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:2299-2302. [PMID: 34586007 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1984462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John F Seymour
- Department of Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital & University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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28
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To start and stop or just keep going? Blood 2021; 138:819-820. [PMID: 34499155 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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