Dr. Burger on the Benefits of Novel Combination Approaches in CLL

Jan A. Burger, MD, PhD, tenured professor, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, “privatdozent” (lecturer) in internal medicine, Albert-Ludwigs University, School of Medicine, Freiberg, Germany, faculty, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, discusses the benefit of combination therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

BTK inhibitors, which are considered to be the standard of care for most patients with CLL, lie at the center of several studies that are being conducted at MD Anderson and other institutions, according to Burger. These trials are combining BTK inhibitors with either CD20 antibodies, venetoclax (Venclexta), or both, Burger adds. The goal of these studies is to provide patients with deeper remissions, Burger adds.

If a patient’s disease becomes minimal or undetectable, there is an opportunity to stop treatment and reduce treatment time, Burger adds. Reduced time on therapy could provide an advantage, since a shorter treatment course reduces the risk for long-term adverse effects, and it adds convenience for some patients, Burger concludes.