Dr. Davids Discusses Ongoing Research With Ibrutinib Plus Venetoclax in CLL

Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc, associate director, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, physician, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and assistant professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, discusses ongoing research with the novel combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) plus venetoclax (Venclexta) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Promising preclinical data with this BTK inhibitor/BLC-2 inhibitor combination has been demonstrated across several institutions, supporting the scientific rationale for its use, Davids says. In the phase II CAPTIVATE study, investigators are looking at the use of this combination in the frontline treatment of patients with CLL who are under age 70. For the trial, patients are given 3 months of ibrutinib induction therapy followed by 15 months of ibrutinib plus venetoclax.

The goal is that patients will achieve a minimal residual disease state and be able to discontinue treatment, Davids adds. This therapy also appears to be well tolerated, suggesting it is a favorable option for patients who may not be able to tolerate chemotherapy-based approaches.