Dr. Kahl on the Potential of Zanubrutinib in the Frontline Treatment of CLL

Brad S. Kahl, MD, professor of medicine, Department of Medicine, Oncology Division, Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, discusses the potential for zanubrutinib (Brukinsa) in the frontline treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Zanubrutinib, a second generation BTK inhibitor, was compared with the combination of bendamustine (Bendeka) and rituximab (Rituxan) during the global phase 3 SEQUOIA trial (NCT03336333), Kahl says. The study included patients who were over 65 years old or had significant comorbidities. These criteria identified a patient population with characteristics that limit their options for aggressive therapy, Kahl explains.

Data from the trial demonstrated patients administered zanubrutinib had an estimated 24-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 85.5%, vs a 24-month estimated PFS rate of 69.5% in patients who received the bendamustine/rituximab combination, Kahl continues. Additionally, the PFS curves began to separate further at the 24-month mark, Kahl explains. Results from this trial supported the notion that a novel targeted agent can perform better than immunochemotherapy in the frontline setting of CLL, Kahl concludes.