Dr. Barr on Novel Combination Strategies in CLL

Paul M. Barr, MD, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester, discusses novel combination strategies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

An influx of novel combinations is poised to enter the treatment paradigm of CLL, explains Barr. Specifically, data with BCR signaling inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors, and CD20-directed monoclonal antibodies appear promising.

Ongoing clinical trials are investigating potential strategies, such as the combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) or acalabrutinib (Calquence) with venetoclax (Venclexta) and a CD20-directed antibody like obinutuzumab (Gazyva), explains Barr.

While some studies have defined treatment periods, others are aiming to determine whether minimal residual disease (MRD) status can be used to direct treatment decisions, says Barr.

Though high complete response and MRD-negative rates with these combinations appear promising, more mature data are needed in order to determine which regimens will change practice, concludes Barr.