Dr. Lamanna on Incorporating Novel and Traditional Therapies in CLL

Nicole Lamanna, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, discusses incorporating novel therapies into the standard treatment paradigm for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

The approvals of ibrutinib and idelalisib have changed the outlook for patients with CLL significantly, said Lamanna. The challenge now is determining if and how to combine these new agents with the traditional therapies used in CLL.

For younger patients, these agents may work best when combined with cytotoxics, but toxicities must be considered, said Lamanna. For older patients in their 70s or 80s, chemotherapy may not be necessary. Novel agents like ibrutinib and idelalisib may be enough on their own for patients with a shorter expected lifespan.