Dr Danilov on Addressing Unmet Needs in Hematologic Malignancies

Alexey Danilov, MD, PhD, hematologist/oncologist, associate director, Toni Stephenson Lymphoma Center, professor, Division of Leukemia, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, discusses unmet needs for patients with hematologic malignancies that will be addressed at the 2024 OncLive^® Bridging the Gaps in Hematologic Malignancies meeting.

Over the past 4 years, there has been significant progress in treating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphomas, marked by numerous new drug approvals and the emergence of several promising agents, Danilov begins. As the CLL field transitions away from chemoimmunotherapy, a similar shift is underway in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), he says. Notably, novel cellular and T-cell engager therapies are advancing in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, he adds. It's crucial to comprehend how these treatment developments will reshape the management of CLL and lymphomas through the use and sequencing of novel therapies.

In CLL, notable therapeutic advancements include the FDA approvals of BTK inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors, with additional BCL-2 inhibitors in development, Danilov continues. However, challenges arise with managing double-refractory CLL, prompting the exploration of new agents such as CAR T-cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, BTK degraders, and noncovalent BTK inhibitors, he explains. Discussions at the Bridging the Gaps in Hematologic Malignancies meeting will delve into research that will further shape the field and address the evolving standard of care, he notes.

For MCL, various phase 1/2 trials have introduced novel therapies into the frontline setting, challenging the traditional approach of chemoimmunotherapy followed by transplant for younger patients, Danilov expands. Understanding how these changes impact treatment strategies and the need for trials to validate the era of targeted therapies in MCL will also be a key focus of the meeting. Additionally, discussions will encompass treatment advancements in relapsed/refractory disease, including improved outcomes with CAR T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies, he adds.

In DLBCL, recent FDA approvals, along with the integration of CAR T-cell therapy into earlier lines of therapy and advancements in frontline chemoimmunotherapy combinations present new treatment avenues, he explains. Determining optimal sequencing, leveraging emerging data, and designing trials to introduce novel agents into earlier therapy lines will be central topics for discussion at the meeting, Danilov concludes.