Current insights into BTK inhibition and other targeted approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

In the setting of early-stage, asymptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the concept of watch & wait in the era of targeted agents was challenged by the placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase III CLL12 study. This trial assessed the use of ibrutinib 420 mg OD (n = 182) vs. placebo (n = 181) until symptomatic disease progression in treatment-naïve patients with asymptomatic CLL Binet stage A who had an increased risk due to factors such as del(17p), IGHV mutation status, or age.

DLBCL: treatment of elderly patients and relapsed disease

Overall survival has improved considerably in the setting of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, patients above the age of 80 years are an exception in terms of survival prolongation and therefore face an unmet clinical need [1]. At the same time, this is a group that constitutes an increasing proportion of DLBCL patients.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia: findings from ASPEN and BRUIN

In the management of patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), BTK inhibitors have changed the therapeutic landscape and are considered preferred treatment options for the first and later lines. Compared to the first-in-class agent ibrutinib, the potent and irreversible BTK inhibitor zanubrutinib offers improved BTK selectivity that minimizes off-target effects and toxicities.

Follicular lymphoma: study results with bispecific antibodies and BTK inhibitors

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtype [1]. In general, it remains incurable with standard therapies, and most patients experience multiple relapses over time. Therefore, there remains a great need for innovative new regimens such as the first-in-class CD20xCD3 T-cell–engaging bispecific antibody mosunetuzumab that is being tested in a pivotal phase II trial in patients with relapsed/refractory grade 1-3a FL after ≥ 2 lines of therapy (including an anti-CD20 antibody and an alkylating agent).

Current insights into BTK inhibition and other targeted approaches in CLL

In the setting of early-stage, asymptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the concept of watch & wait in the era of targeted agents was challenged by the placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase III CLL12 study. This trial assessed the use of ibrutinib 420 mg OD (n = 182) vs. placebo (n = 181) until symptomatic disease progression in treatment-naïve patients with asymptomatic CLL Binet stage A who had an increased risk due to factors such as del(17p), IGHV mutation status, or age.

Preface – ASCO/EHA/ICML 2023

Cutting-edge updates in the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies were discussed by world-leading experts at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, USA, 2nd–6th June 2023, the European Hematology Association (EHA) congress in Frankfurt, Germany, 8th–11th June 2023, and the 17th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in Lugano, Switzerland, 13th–17th June 2023.

Go to Top