1
|
Anderson MA, Walewska R, Hackett F, Kater AP, Montegaard J, O'Brien S, Seymour JF, Smith M, Stilgenbauer S, Whitechurch A, Brown JR. Venetoclax Initiation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: International Insights and Innovative Approaches for Optimal Patient Care. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:980. [PMID: 38473342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050980] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax, a highly selective, oral B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor, provides a robust targeted-therapy option for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including patients with high-risk del(17p)/mutated-TP53 and immunoglobulin heavy variable region unmutated CLL and those refractory to chemoimmunotherapy across all age groups. Due to the potent pro-apoptotic effect of venetoclax, treatment initiation carries a risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Prompt and appropriate management is needed to limit clinical TLS, which may entail serious adverse events and death. Venetoclax ramp-up involves gradual, stepwise increases in daily venetoclax dosing from 20 mg to 400 mg (target dose) over 5 weeks; adherence to on-label scheduling provides a tumor debulking phase, reducing the risk of TLS. The key components of safe venetoclax therapy involve assessment (radiographic evaluation and baseline blood chemistry), preparation (adequate hydration), and initiation (blood chemistry monitoring). In addition to summarizing the evidence for venetoclax's efficacy and safety, this review uses hypothetical patient scenarios based on risk level for TLS (high, medium, low) to share the authors' clinical experience with venetoclax initiation and present global approaches utilized in various treatment settings. These hypothetical scenarios highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and shared decision-making, outlining best practices for venetoclax initiation and overall optimal treatment strategies in patients with CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Anderson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Division of Blood Cells and Blood Cancers, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Renata Walewska
- University Hospitals Dorset, NHS Foundation Trust, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, UK
| | - Fidelma Hackett
- Cancer Services Directorate, University Hospital Limerick UL Hospitals Group, St. Nessan's Road, V94 F858 Limerick, Ireland
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josie Montegaard
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Susan O'Brien
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - John F Seymour
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Matthew Smith
- Department of Haematology, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield S44 5BL, UK
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Division of CLL, Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ashley Whitechurch
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Laurenti L, Scarfò L, Frustaci AM, Sanna A, Iannella E, Caira M, Finsinger P, Schifano S, Neri B, Molica S, Mauro FR. Real-world evidence on venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: The Italian experience. Hematol Oncol 2023; 41:621-630. [PMID: 36680368 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3122] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of adult leukemia in the western world. In Italy, venetoclax was approved for use in patients with CLL as monotherapy in 2017 and in combinations in 2019. As a result of this delayed approval, there are relatively few real-world studies from Italian clinical practice and much of the data are in heavily pretreated patients. We have collected the available studies in Italian routine practice. Three studies confirm the effectiveness and tolerability of this agent in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL and high-risk disease characteristics, many of whom had received prior B-cell receptor signaling treatment. Addition of rituximab to venetoclax produced more complete responses in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL, while higher disease burden and progression while receiving a prior Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor were both associated with poorer outcomes in patients treated with venetoclax. Venetoclax was well-tolerated with low discontinuation rates. No studies of venetoclax plus obinutuzumab for the first-line treatment of patients with CLL were available due to the short time since approval in Italy. Several cohorts addressed the impact of COVID-19 on patient management and outcomes, suggesting that treated patients and those in clinical observation had similar rates of COVID-19-related hospital admission, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. Overall, the responses and tolerance to venetoclax observed in the Italian real-world setting confirm the tolerability and effectiveness of venetoclax regimens in high-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Laurenti
- Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology, IRCCS Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, Rome, Italy
| | - Lydia Scarfò
- Strategic Research Program on CLL, Division of Experimental Oncology, Università Vita Salute and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Simon F, Bohn JP. Next-Generation Sequencing-Optimal Sequencing of Therapies in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1181-1189. [PMID: 37682487 PMCID: PMC10556156 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01454-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This research paper aims to provide an overview of evidence-based sequencing of therapies in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the era of targeted drugs. RECENT FINDINGS In the absence of data from randomized clinical trials comparing novel agents head-to-head, growing evidence suggests that patients with late relapse (> 2 years) after fixed-duration therapies benefit from identical retreatment, whereas a class switch is favorable in those with short-lived remissions or progressive disease on continuous drug intake. Treatment of patients previously exposed to both covalent inhibitors of BTK and BCL2 remains an unmet medical need. Novel drugs, in particular noncovalent BTKI, show promising efficacy in this difficult-to-treat subgroup in early clinical trials. The optimal sequencing of therapies in CLL requires consideration of individual patient factors and disease characteristics. Double-refractory disease continuous to pose a clinical challenge with a focus on participation in clinical trials whenever possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Simon
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, German CLL Study Group, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Bohn
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gargiulo E, Teglgaard RS, Faitová T, Niemann CU. Immune Dysfunction and Infection - Interaction between CLL and Treatment: A Reflection on Current Treatment Paradigms and Unmet Needs. Acta Haematol 2023; 147:84-98. [PMID: 37497921 DOI: 10.1159/000533234] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematological malignancy characterized by immune dysfunction, which significantly contributes to increased morbidity and mortality due to infections. SUMMARY Advancement in therapeutic strategies based on combination chemoimmunotherapy and targeted treatment have increased life expectancy for patients affected by CLL. However, mortality and morbidity due to infection showed no improvement over the last decades. Although therapy options are highly efficient in targeting leukemic cells, several studies highlighted the interactions of different treatments with the tumor microenvironment immune components, significantly impacting their clinical efficacy and fostering increased risk of infections. KEY MESSAGES Given the profound immune dysfunction caused by CLL itself, treatment can thus represent a double-edged sword. Thus, it is essential to increase our understanding and awareness on how conventional therapies affect the disease-microenvironment-infection axis to ensure the best personalized strategy for each patient. This requires careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of efficient treatments, whether chemoimmunotherapy or targeted combinations, leading to risk of infectious complications. To this regard, our machine learning-based algorithm CLL Treatment-Infection Model, currently implemented into the local electronic health record system for Eastern Denmark, aims at early identification of patients at high risk of serious infections (PreVent-ACaLL; NCT03868722). We here review strategies for management of immune dysfunction and infections in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Gargiulo
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, PERSIMUNE, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Tereza Faitová
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carsten Utoft Niemann
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Soboń A, Drozd-Sokołowska J, Paszkiewicz-Kozik E, Popławska L, Morawska M, Tryc-Szponder J, Bołkun Ł, Rybka J, Pruszczyk K, Juda A, Majeranowski A, Iskierka-Jażdżewska E, Steckiewicz P, Wdowiak K, Budziszewska B, Jamroziak K, Hus I, Lech-Marańda E, Puła B. Clinical efficacy and tolerability of venetoclax plus rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia-a real-world analysis of the Polish Adult Leukemia Study Group. Ann Hematol 2023:10.1007/s00277-023-05304-4. [PMID: 37392368 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05304-4] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The results of the MURANO trial showed encouraging progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (RR-CLL) patients treated with venetoclax-rituximab (VEN-R). A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VEN-R within the Polish Adult Leukemia Study Group (PALG) centers. The study group included 117 patients with RR-CLL (with early relapse after immunochemotherapy or bearing TP53 aberrations) treated with VEN-R in 2019-2023 outside clinical trials. Patients were treated with a median of 2 (range 1-9) previous lines of therapy. Twenty-two participants were previously treated with BTKi (18.8% out of 117). The median follow-up was 20.3 months (range 0.27-39.1). The overall response rate (ORR) was 95.3% in the group of patients in whom a response to treatment was assessed and 86.3% for all patients. Twenty patients (17.1% out of 117) achieved a complete response (CR), 81 (69.2%) achieved a partial response (PR), and in 5 patients (4.3%), disease progression was noted (assessed as the best response during treatment). The median PFS in the whole cohort was 36.97 (95% CI 24.5, not reached) months, and the median OS was not reached (95% CI 27.03, not reached). Thirty-six patients died during the follow-up, 10 (8.5%; 27.8% of deaths) due to COVID-19 infection. All grade neutropenia (n = 87/117, 74.4%; grade 3 or higher n = 67/117, 57.3%) was the most common treatment adverse event. Forty-five patients (38.5%) remained on treatment, and twenty-two (18.8%) completed 24 months of therapy, while it was discontinued in fifty cases (42.7%). In this real-world setting of early access in very high-risk RR-CLL patients, the VEN-R regimen was associated with shorter median PFS compared with the results of the MURANO trial. This outcome, however, could be attributed to patients' exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the aggressive course of the disease as very high-risk patients, after multiple lines of prior therapies, were included in the Polish Ministry of Health reimbursement program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Soboń
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indira Gandhi Str. 14, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Drozd-Sokołowska
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Paszkiewicz-Kozik
- Department of Lymphoid Malignancies, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Popławska
- Department of Lymphoid Malignancies, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Morawska
- Experimental Hematooncology Department, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Hematology Department, St. John's Cancer Center, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jagoda Tryc-Szponder
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Bołkun
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Justyna Rybka
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pruszczyk
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indira Gandhi Str. 14, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adrian Juda
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alan Majeranowski
- Department of Hematology and Transplantology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Kamil Wdowiak
- Department of Internal Diseases and Oncological Chemotherapy Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Bożena Budziszewska
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indira Gandhi Str. 14, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jamroziak
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Hus
- Department of Hematology, The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Lech-Marańda
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indira Gandhi Str. 14, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Puła
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indira Gandhi Str. 14, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rhodes JM, Barrientos JC, Rai KR. How Have Targeted Agents Changed the Treatment Landscape for Elderly Patients with CLL? Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:1705-1713. [PMID: 36334220 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01322-z] [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] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common hematologic malignancy in elderly patients. At the time of diagnosis, most patients have comorbid medical conditions. Although patients have other competing medical issues, the majority of patients will die from CLL or CLL-related complications. This review will discuss treatment in elderly patients with CLL. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work has focused on understanding the role comorbid medical conditions play in the management of CLL in elderly patients, including the use of geriatric assessment, Charlson comorbidity index, cumulative illness rating scale, and most recently, the CLL-comorbidity index. The treatment landscape for CLL has shifted from chemoimmunotherapy to the use of targeted agents. Several clinical trials in elderly patients have demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with ibrutinib + / - obinutuzumab, acalabrutinib + / - obinutuzumab, zanubrutinib, venetoclax-obinutuzumab, idelalisib, and duvelisib. The adverse event profile and potential for drug-drug interactions in the treatment of CLL in elderly patients have not been described, and further studies are needed to determine optimal treatment. Treatment of elderly patients with CLL should be made on a case-by-case basis based on a patient's fitness, comorbid medical conditions, and concomitant medications. The use of targeted agents has improved outcomes in this patient population, but further studies are needed to determine the best practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Rhodes
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, CLL Research and Treatment Center, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 212, Lake Success, NY, 11042, USA.
| | - Jacqueline C Barrientos
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, CLL Research and Treatment Center, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 212, Lake Success, NY, 11042, USA
- Mount Sinai Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kanti R Rai
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, CLL Research and Treatment Center, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 212, Lake Success, NY, 11042, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Frustaci AM, Del Poeta G, Visentin A, Sportoletti P, Fresa A, Vitale C, Murru R, Chiarenza A, Sanna A, Mauro FR, Reda G, Gentile M, Varettoni M, Baratè C, Borella C, Greco A, Deodato M, Zamprogna G, Laureana R, Cipiciani A, Galitzia A, Curto Pelle A, Morelli F, Malvisi L, Coscia M, Laurenti L, Trentin L, Montillo M, Cairoli R, Tedeschi A. Coexisting conditions and concomitant medications do not affect venetoclax management and survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221127550. [PMID: 36246422 PMCID: PMC9554118 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221127550] [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: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The question of which parameters may be informative on venetoclax outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is still unclear. Furthermore, the choice to treat with venetoclax can be challenging in patients with baseline characteristics or comorbidities that may potentially favor some specific adverse events. Objectives This study was aimed to evaluate whether age, fitness status, patients'/disease characteristics, or concomitant medications may predict outcomes in CLL patients receiving venetoclax. Design Retrospective observational study. Methods Impact of age, presence of Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) >6 or severe organ impairment (CIRS3+), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance Status (ECOG-PS), renal function, and concomitant medications were retrospectively analyzed on treatment management (definitive discontinuation due to toxicity, discontinuation due to toxicity, Tox-DTD; permanent dose reduction, PDR) and survival [progression free survival (PFS), event free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS)] in unselected patients receiving venetoclax monotherapy in common practice. Results A total of 221 relapsed/refractory patients were included. Tox-DTD and PDR were reported in 5.9% and 21.7%, respectively, and were not influenced by any fitness parameter, age, number or type of concomitant medication, baseline neutropenia, or impaired renal function. None of these factors were associated with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) development. Age and coexisting conditions had no influence on PFS and EFS. At univariate analysis, OS was significantly shorter only in patients with ECOG-PS >1 (p < 0.0001) and elderly (⩾65 years) with CIRS >6 (p = 0.014) or CIRS3+ (p = 0.031). ECOG-PS >1 retained an independent role only for EFS and OS. While Tox-DTD affected all survival outcomes, no differences in PFS were reported among patients permanently reducing dose or interrupting venetoclax for > 7 days. Conclusion Clinical outcome with venetoclax is not influenced by comorbidities, patients' clinical characteristics, or concomitant medications. Differently from other targeted therapies, this demonstrates that, except ECOG-PS, none of the parameters generally considered for treatment choice, including baseline neutropenia or impaired renal function, should rule the decision process with this agent. Anyway, if clinically needed, a correct drug management does not compromise treatment efficacy and may avoid toxicity-driven discontinuations. Plain Language Summary Chapter 1: Why was this study done? Chapter 2: Which are the main findings of the study? Chapter 3: How these findings may impact on clinical practice? Coexisting conditions and concomitant medications do not affect venetoclax management and survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia • The question of which parameters may be informative on venetoclax outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is still unclear. Furthermore, the choice to treat with venetoclax can be challenging in patients with baseline characteristics or comorbidities that may potentially favor some specific adverse events (e.g. compromised renal function or baseline neutropenia).• In our large series of patients treated outside of clinical trials, we demonstrated that neither age, fitness, comorbidities nor concomitant medications impact on venetoclax management and survival. Importantly, patients presenting with baseline neutropenia or impaired renal function did not have a higher rate of dose reductions or toxicity-driven discontinuations, thus further underlining that venetoclax may be safely administered even in those categories with no preclusions.• Differently from other targeted agents, our data demonstrate that none of the baseline factors commonly considered in treatment decision process retains a role with venetoclax. Finally, permanent dose reductions and temporary interruptions did not adversely impact PFS suggesting that, if clinically needed, a correct drug management should be adopted with no risk of compromising venetoclax efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Visentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Sportoletti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Fresa
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Candida Vitale
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino and Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Murru
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Oncologico A.Businco, ARNAS ‘G. Brotzu’, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiarenza
- Hematology Division, A.O.U. Policlinico ‘G. Rodolico-S.Marco’, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Romana Mauro
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University, Roma, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Reda
- U.O.C. Ematologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Marzia Varettoni
- Division of Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Baratè
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Borella
- Department of Hematology, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Antonino Greco
- Department of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Giovanni Panìco, Tricase, Italy
| | - Marina Deodato
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Zamprogna
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Laureana
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cipiciani
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Galitzia
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Curto Pelle
- Hematology Division, A.O.U. Policlinico ‘G. Rodolico-S.Marco’, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Marta Coscia
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino and Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Laurenti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Montillo
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cairoli
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tedeschi
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharman JP, Biondo JML, Boyer M, Fischer K, Hallek M, Jiang D, Kater AP, Porro Lurà M, Wierda WG. A review of the incidence of tumor lysis syndrome in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with venetoclax and debulking strategies. EJHAEM 2022; 3:492-506. [PMID: 35846043 PMCID: PMC9175963 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the literature (January 2010-June 2021) on the effectiveness of debulking strategies before venetoclax initiation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia to reduce tumor burden, downgrade tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) risk, and avoid hospitalization. Low TLS incidence and reduced TLS risk based on tumor burden were reported following debulking in clinical trials. Real-world observational studies reporting debulking regimens recorded no TLS events, and those without debulking strategies had greater TLS incidence. Debulking prior to venetoclax considerably reduces TLS incidence. Further clinical trials and real-world studies may provide additional evidence on effectiveness of debulking in reducing TLS incidence and hospitalization need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey P. Sharman
- Department of Medical OncologyWillamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center/US Oncology ResearchEugeneOregonUSA
| | | | | | - Kirsten Fischer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, German CLL Study Group, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne DusseldorfGermany
| | - Michael Hallek
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, German CLL Study Group, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne DusseldorfGermany
| | | | - Arnon P. Kater
- Department of HematologyCancer Center AmsterdamLymphoma and Myeloma Center AmsterdamAmsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | | | - William G. Wierda
- Department of LeukemiaThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang J, Lu X, Li J, Miao Y. Combining BTK inhibitors with BCL2 inhibitors for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma. Biomark Res 2022; 10:17. [PMID: 35379357 PMCID: PMC8981798 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of BTK inhibitors has changed the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The first-in-class BTK inhibitor ibrutinib has shown remarkable therapeutic effects and manageable toxicities in multiple clinical trials. The second-generation BTK inhibitors, including acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, also show remarkable efficacies. However, using BTK inhibitors as monotherapies requires continuous treatment. Resistance to BTK inhibitors and severe side effects unavoidably occur during BTK inhibitor monotherapy, frequently resulting in treatment failure. The addition of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax to BTK inhibitor may improve the therapeutic effects and result in deeper responses, providing a potential fixed-duration treatment, especially for patients with CLL. In this review, by focusing on CLL and MCL, we discussed the rationale for the combinational use and summarized the current data on the combinations of BTK inhibitors and venetoclax in patients with CLL and MCL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueying Lu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Pukou CLL Center, Nanjing, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yi Miao
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Pukou CLL Center, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Svanberg R, Janum S, Patten PEM, Ramsay AG, Niemann CU. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Haematologica 2021; 106:2312-2324. [PMID: 33882636 PMCID: PMC8409023 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.268037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in the development, growth, and survival of the malignant B-cell clone in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Within the proliferation niches of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and secondary lymphoid organs, a variety of phenotypically and functionally altered cell types, including T cells, natural killer cells, monocytes/macrophages, endothelial and mesenchymal stroma cells, provide crucial survival signals, along with CLL-cellinduced suppression of antitumor immune responses. The B-cell receptor pathway plays a pivotal role in mediating the interaction between CLL cells and the TME. However, an increasing number of additional components of the multifactorial TME are being discovered. Although the majority of therapeutic strategies employed in CLL hitherto have focused on targeting the leukemic cells, emerging evidence implies that modulation of microenvironmental cells and CLL-TME interactions by novel therapeutic agents significantly affect their clinical efficacy. Thus, improving our understanding of CLL-TME interactions and how they are affected by current therapeutic agents may improve and guide treatment strategies. Identification of novel TME interactions may also pave the road for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the TME. In this review, we summarize current evidence on the effects of therapeutic agents on cells and interactions within the TME. With a growing demand for improved and personalized treatment options in CLL, this review aims at inspiring future exploration of smart drug combination strategies, translational studies, and novel therapeutic targets in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sine Janum
- Department of Clinical Haemato-oncology, Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health Trust, London
| | - Piers E M Patten
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London
| | - Alan G Ramsay
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Staber PB, Jurczak W, Greil R, Vucinic V, Middeke JM, Montillo M, Munir T, Neumeister P, Schetelig J, Stilgenbauer S, Striebel F, Dirnberger-Hertweck M, Weirather J, Brugger W, Kelemen P, Wendtner CM, Woyach JA. Tafasitamab combined with idelalisib or venetoclax in patients with CLL previously treated with a BTK inhibitor. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:3440-3451. [PMID: 34414843 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1964020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (R/R CLL) whose treatment failed with a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor have poor outcomes. We investigated tafasitamab plus idelalisib (cohort A) or venetoclax (cohort B) in this patient population in a phase II study (NCT02639910). In total, 24 patients were enrolled (cohort A: n = 11, median time on study, 7.4 months; cohort B: n = 13, median time on study, 15.6 months). The most common treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) in cohort A was anemia (63.6%) and in cohort B was infusion-related reaction (53.8%). The most common severe TEAE was neutropenia (cohort A: 45.5%; cohort B: 46.2%). The best overall response rate was 90.9% (cohort A) and 76.9% (cohort B). Undetectable minimal residual disease in peripheral blood was achieved in 2/8 patients (cohort A) and 6/7 patients (cohort B). Overall, these results suggest that anti-CD19 antibody-based combinations may be important in the treatment of patients with CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Bernhard Staber
- Clinical Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wojciech Jurczak
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Richard Greil
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vladan Vucinic
- Department of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Leipzig AöR, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Moritz Middeke
- Medical Clinic 1, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marco Montillo
- Hematology Department, Niguarda Cancer Center, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Talha Munir
- Clinical Hematology, The Leeds Teaching Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Neumeister
- Clinical Department of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Schetelig
- Medical Clinic 1, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Clemens-Martin Wendtner
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Palliative Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Tropical Medicine, Munich Clinic Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer Ann Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
BCL2 inhibitors and MCL1 inhibitors for hematological malignancies. Blood 2021; 138:1120-1136. [PMID: 34320168 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BCL2 and MCL1 are commonly expressed pro-survival (anti-apoptotic) proteins in hematological cancers and play important roles in their biology either through dysregulation or by virtue of intrinsic importance to the cell-of-origin of the malignancy. A new class of small molecule anti-cancer drugs, BH3-mimetics, now enable specific targeting of these proteins in patients. BH3-mimetics act by inhibiting the pro-survival BCL2 proteins to enable the activation of BAX and BAK, apoptosis effectors which permeabilize the outer mitochondrial membrane, triggering apoptosis directly in many cells and sensitizing others to cell death when combined with other anti-neoplastic drugs. Venetoclax, a specific inhibitor of BCL2, is the first approved in class, demonstrating striking single agent activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and in other lymphoid neoplasms, as well as activity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially when used in combination. Key insights from the venetoclax experience include that responses occur rapidly, with major activity as monotherapy proving to be the best indicator for success in combination regimens. This emphasizes the importance of adequate single agent studies for drugs in this class. Furthermore, secondary resistance is common with long-term exposure and often mediated by genetic or adaptive changes in the apoptotic pathway, suggesting that BH3-mimetics are better suited to limited-duration, rather than continuous, therapy. The success of venetoclax has inspired development of BH3-mimetics targeting MCL1. Despite promising preclinical activity against MYC-driven lymphomas, myeloma and AML, their success may particularly depend on their tolerability profile given physiological roles for MCL1 in several non-hematological tissues.
Collapse
|
13
|
Venetoclax alone or in combination with other regimens treatment achieve deep and sustained remission of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2021; 22:161-171. [PMID: 34224006 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the use of novel targeted drugs significantly improved the overall response rate (ORR) and survival of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (R/R CLL). The treatment of R/R CLL has been gradually developed from traditional chemotherapy to targeted therapy. Venetoclax has been proved to be effective for R/R CLL as a single agent or in combination with various regimens. However, the data from clinical studies were still limited, especially since a large number of studies were single arms. Considering that there were few kinds of research in this regard and the data were not uniform, a meta-analysis was conducted to describe ORR and undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD) of venetoclax in patients with R/R CLL. The pooled cumulative prevalence of total ORR was 82% (95% CI 77-87%), and the pooled ORR in venetoclax + anti-CD20 antibody-based group was 89% (95% CI 83-94%). There were significant differences among venetoclax monotherapy group, venetoclax + ibrutinib group and venetoclax + anti-CD20 group with pooled uMRD of 39% (95% CI 31-47%), 57% (95% CI 50-64%) and 43% (95% CI 19-70%), respectively (P = 0.004 < 0.05). Pooled ORR of patients with high-risk cytogenetic in venetoclax monotherapy group was 73% (95% CI 61-83%). No significant difference was observed in comparison with patients without high-risk cytogenetic who received the same treatment (P = 0.518). Our research results indicate that venetoclax combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody may be an effective treatment for patients with R/R CLL, especially for CLL patients with high-risk cytogenetic factors. Furthermore, ibrutinib in combination with venetoclax showed a longer remission time, the deeper remission degree and uMRD-negative rate gradually increased with the extension of the treatment time.
Collapse
|
14
|
Molica S, Allsup D, Gianfelici V, Levato L, Aiello V, Bailey J, Polliack A. Current and emerging investigational venetoclax-based therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:621-633. [PMID: 33929928 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1924669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Venetoclax has emerged as a breakthrough treatment which has revolutionized the therapeutic paradigm of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This is primarily attributed to the efficacy of venetoclax as a time-limited, chemo-free, therapy in a field dominated by targeted agents given on a continuous schedule. Furthermore, compelling clinical data support the use of venetoclax in combination with other targeted agents in the hope of preventing drug resistance due to the emergence of acquired mutations.Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of clinical results of newly approved or investigational venetoclax-based therapies for CLL. In view of current and potential roles in CLL care, the strengths and disadvantages of venetoclax-combinations are discussed. The MEDLINE database, ClinicalTrials.gov and conference proceedings were all reviewed to select the relevant literature.Expert opinion: While the advent of venetoclax-based combinations has significantly expanded the therapeutic options for patients with CLL, further research with longer follow-up is required to address remaining open questions such as (I) the role of venetoclax as fixed duration therapy(II) timing and threshold of minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment for therapy discontinuation, (III) the efficacy of novel triplet combinations with venetoclax as backbone therapy, (IV) indications for the re-initiation of therapy with venetoclax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Molica
- Department Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese-Ciaccio, Catanzaro,Italy
| | - David Allsup
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
| | - Valentina Gianfelici
- Department Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese-Ciaccio, Catanzaro,Italy
| | - Luciano Levato
- Department Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese-Ciaccio, Catanzaro,Italy
| | - Vincenzo Aiello
- Rheumatology, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - James Bailey
- Department of Haematology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
| | - Aaron Polliack
- Department Hematology, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation after prior targeted therapy for high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Adv 2021; 4:4113-4123. [PMID: 32882002 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) can cure previously treated high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients if they are suitable for transplant through the graft-versus-leukemia effect. However, since the emergence of targeted therapies, the role of alloHCT for high-risk CLL is less clear. To address this question, we evaluated 108 high-risk CLL patients who underwent alloHCT from 2010 to 2018. Thirty patients from the period of 2013 to 2018 received targeted therapy prior to alloHCT. The median age for the targeted therapy cohort was 60 years (range, 30-71 years), and 20% and 73% had complete and partial remission, respectively: 76% had del(17p), 46.2% had 5 or more cytogenetic abnormalities, and 78.9% were IGHV unmutated. The median number of prior therapies was 4 (range, 1-9). With a median follow-up time of 36 months (range, 10-72 months), the 3-year overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 87% and 69%, respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality and relapse was 7% and 24%, respectively. For the control cohort of 78 patients who underwent alloHCT from 2010 to 2014 and received only chemoimmunotherapy prior to transplant, the 3-year OS and PFS were 69% and 58%, respectively. Patients treated with targeted therapy prior to alloHCT had a significantly higher number of circulating T and B cells and a lower ratio of CD4 regulatory T cells to CD4 conventional T cells early after transplant. In summary, despite multiple high-risk features, the clinical outcome of CLL patients who receive targeted therapy prior to transplant is excellent and alloHCT should be offered while the disease is under control.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bose P, Gandhi V. Managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2020: an update on recent clinical advances with a focus on BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors. Fac Rev 2021; 10:22. [PMID: 33718939 PMCID: PMC7946394 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) underwent a paradigm shift in 2014 with the approval of ibrutinib, which binds covalently to the C481 residue of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and irreversibly inhibits it. A number of large, phase 3 trials conducted in both the frontline and the relapsed/refractory settings resulted in the approval of ibrutinib for all CLL. Indeed, the role of chemoimmunotherapy in CLL is fast dwindling. The limitations of ibrutinib, e.g. the development of resistance-conferring C481 BTK mutations and the toxicity issues of atrial fibrillation and bleeding, in particular, have also become apparent with longer-term follow-up. This has spurred the development of second-generation, irreversible inhibitors with greater selectivity for BTK and third-generation, reversible BTK inhibitors to address C481 site mutations. The last 3 years have also witnessed enormous growth in the therapeutic role of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) antagonist venetoclax, initially approved (in 2016) only for patients with relapsed, 17p-deleted CLL. Venetoclax, in combination with CD20 antibodies, is currently approved for both treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory patients, regardless of genomic subtype. Robust results have also been reported for ibrutinib plus venetoclax, and "triple" combinations of a BTK inhibitor, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab are now being pursued. The major questions facing the field at present are how best to select patients for BTK inhibitor monotherapy versus venetoclax/obinutuzumab upfront, what to do after failure of both BTK inhibitor(s) and venetoclax, and the ideal way to integrate measurable residual disease data into decisions regarding treatment choice, duration, and discontinuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Varsha Gandhi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Smolej L. Skipping a step: what happened to the design of randomized clinical trials in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia? Br J Haematol 2020; 193:723-726. [PMID: 33216352 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinical research of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been advancing at an unprecedented pace. Several randomized studies in the current era of oral targeted agents seem to have skipped one step and proceeded directly to combinations with antibodies, omitting the testing of novel-agent monotherapy. Thus, the ibrutinib + rituximab combination was used as the experimental arm in a major trial for untreated fit patients while two other trials subsequently showed that addition of rituximab to ibrutinib does not produce any meaningful benefit. Similarly, two large trials omitted venetoclax monotherapy and proceeded directly to venetoclax + rituximab or obinutuzumab versus chemoimmunotherapy. While such trials are undoubtedly cheaper, quicker and easier to manage, they leave the CLL community with uncertainty regarding the real role of the monoclonal antibody components. Thus, we are left with regimens which are undoubtedly effective, but might actually be unnecessarily toxic and expensive. The solution to this problem is simple: future randomized trials should be carefully designed in a 'step by step' fashion which would provide the CLL community with simple yet robust answers regarding efficacy of novel regimens so that these can be introduced to practice following the best principles of evidence-based medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Smolej
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine -Haematology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Molica S. The evolving role of time-limited targeted therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:1015-1019. [DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1829482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Molica
- Department Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese-Ciaccio, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rogers KA, Huang Y, Ruppert AS, Abruzzo LV, Andersen BL, Awan FT, Bhat SA, Dean A, Lucas M, Banks C, Grantier C, Heerema NA, Lozanski G, Maddocks KJ, Valentine TR, Weiss DM, Jones JA, Woyach JA, Byrd JC. Phase II Study of Combination Obinutuzumab, Ibrutinib, and Venetoclax in Treatment-Naïve and Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:3626-3637. [PMID: 32795224 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of highly effective targeted agents for chronic lymphocytic leukemia offers the potential for fixed-duration combinations that achieve deep remissions without cytotoxic chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS This phase II study tested a combination regimen of obinutuzumab, ibrutinib, and venetoclax for a total of 14 cycles in both patients with treatment-naïve (n = 25) and relapsed or refractory (n = 25) chronic lymphocytic leukemia to determine the response to therapy and safety. RESULTS The primary end point was the rate of complete remission with undetectable minimal residual disease by flow cytometry in both the blood and bone marrow 2 months after completion of treatment, which was 28% in both groups. The overall response rate at that time was 84% in treatment-naïve patients and 88% in relapsed or refractory patients. At that time, 67% of treatment-naïve patients and 50% of relapsed or refractory patients had undetectable minimal residual disease in both the blood and marrow. At a median follow-up of 24.2 months in treatment-naïve patients and 21.5 months in relapsed or refractory patients, the median progression-free and overall survival times were not yet reached, with only 1 patient experiencing progression and 1 death. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the most frequent adverse events, followed by hypertension. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was experienced by 66% of patients, with more events in the relapsed or refractory cohort. There was only 1 episode of neutropenic fever. A favorable impact on both perceived and objective cognitive performance during treatment was observed. CONCLUSION The combination regimen of obinutuzumab, ibrutinib, and venetoclax offers time-limited treatment that results in deep remissions and is now being studied in phase III cooperative group trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A Rogers
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Ying Huang
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Amy S Ruppert
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Lynne V Abruzzo
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Farrukh T Awan
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Seema A Bhat
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Allison Dean
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Margaret Lucas
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Christin Banks
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Cara Grantier
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Nyla A Heerema
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Gerard Lozanski
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kami J Maddocks
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - David M Weiss
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jeffrey A Jones
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jennifer A Woyach
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - John C Byrd
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vitale C, Ferrajoli A. The combination of venetoclax and rituximab for the treatment of patients with recurrent chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2020; 13:885-894. [PMID: 32700593 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1796620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In patients with recurrent chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), treatment with targeted agents such as Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax is rapidly replacing chemo-immunotherapy regimens. Venetoclax has demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy in patients with previously treated CLL and has been evaluated in combination with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the activity and toxicity of the time-limited combination of venetoclax plus rituximab for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CLL, presenting clinical trial results and data from correlative studies, with the aim of highlighting the strengths of this treatment approach and discuss weaknesses and possible areas of improvement. Data from PubMed indexed papers as well as from abstracts presented at major international conferences are included. EXPERT OPINION Deep responses with venetoclax-based regimens have been shown to allow time-limited treatment and prolonged remission off-therapy in patients with CLL. The clinical benefit of venetoclax and rituximab over chemo-immunotherapy has been demonstrated in recurrent CLL. Potential advantages of time-limited treatment approaches include avoidance of long-term toxicities, high drug costs, and the selection of resistant subclones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candida Vitale
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Utilizing Real-World Evidence (RWE) to Improve Care in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Challenges and Opportunities. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2020; 15:254-260. [DOI: 10.1007/s11899-020-00584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
22
|
Iskierka-Jażdżewska E, Robak T. Minimizing and managing treatment-associated complications in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2019; 13:39-53. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1696185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ujjani C, Cheson BD. Targeted Therapies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Is 2 (or 3) Better Than 1? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 25:449-454. [PMID: 31764127 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors, including B-cell receptor antagonists and B-cell lymphoma - 2 inhibitors, have revolutionized the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These agents have improved outcomes for patients of all prognostic backgrounds, thus securing their role in the frontline setting. Impressive activity has been demonstrated both with monotherapy and in combination with other targeted therapeutics. The most important remaining question is whether to administer small molecule inhibitors in a sequential fashion or in combination with each other and/or anti-CD20-directed therapy. Together, a number of retrospective and prospective clinical trials have provided insight into patient outcomes with different sequencing and combination strategies. While rituximab does not appear to provide significant additional benefit to ibrutinib, the incorporation of venetoclax appears to enable a deeper response and allow for a shorter duration of therapy. How durable of a response this produces and whether patients can be effectively retreated with venetoclax remain unclear. As various targeted therapy doublets and triplets are explored, it is important to investigate whether they produce significant long-term benefits over monotherapy and whether these approaches are appropriate for all patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitra Ujjani
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Bruce D Cheson
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Real-World Evidence for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Era of Targeted Therapies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 25:442-448. [PMID: 31764126 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has transformed in the era of small molecule inhibitor targeted therapies. While randomized controlled trials remain the criterion standard in evaluating new therapies, they are often unable to keep pace with the clinical questions that arise during the use of novel agents. Real-world evidence is generated through analysis of data such as electronic medical records, payer claims, and patient registry databases and can provide invaluable information to supplement randomized controlled trials, such as outcomes in patient populations excluded from clinical trials, rates of discontinuation or dose reductions in clinical practice, survival outcomes, and optimal sequencing of novel agents. This review aims to discuss major findings from recent, relevant, real-world evidence publications that have greatly informed our understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia as it is treated in clinical practice.
Collapse
|