Dr. Mato on the Efficacy of Fixed-Duration Venetoclax-Based Combo in CLL

Anthony R. Mato, MD, MSCE, hematologic oncologist and director of the CLL Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the phase III CLL14 trial, which evaluated the efficacy of fixed-duration treatment with venetoclax (Venclexta) plus obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

In the trial, patients were randomized to receive the combination of venetoclax and obinutuzumab versus obinutuzumab and chlorambucil in a largely older and unfit patient population, says Mato. The primary end point of progression-free survival (PFS) was met, with venetoclax plus obinutuzumab showing a superior PFS compared with obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil; however, no clear benefit in overall survival has been observed yet with the venetoclax combination, says Mato.

These data show for the first time that the use of a fixed-duration venetoclax-based combination in the frontline setting can result in deep and durable remissions, according to Mato. In May 2019, the combination was approved by the FDA for frontline use in patients with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma based on data from this trial; the regimen has since become a standard of care in the frontline setting for these patients, concludes Mato.