Dr. Gerson on Targeted Therapy Versus Chemotherapy in CLL

James N. Gerson, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the emergence of targeted therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Targeted therapy has become the preferred frontline treatment in CLL, explains Gerson. Specifically, ibrutinib (Imbruvica)-based combinations, although venetoclax (Venclexta) and acalabrutinib (Calquence) are also promising agents. Several studies are ongoing to see which agent is the most effective in this patient population and whether these drugs can be used in combination.

Studies presented at the 2018 ASH Annual Meeting showed that, for a majority of patients with CLL, ibrutinib is preferred over chemotherapy with the exception of patients with mutated IGHV, concludes Gerson.