Dr. Susan O'Brien Compares Ibrutinib With Chemoimmunotherapy in Frontline CLL

Susan M. O'Brien, MD, associate director for Clinical Science for the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, medical director of the Sue and Ralph Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials and Research, UC Irvine Health, discusses how ibrutinib (Imbruvica) compares with chemoimmunotherapy as a frontline treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Chemoimmunotherapy, comprised of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) is a very effective regimen. However, it is not appropriate for elderly patients who are more likely to benefit from a regimen of chlorambucil plus an anti-CD20 agent, O'Brien explains. The rates of progression-free survival are higher in patients who receive ibrutinib versus those who receive chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab, she adds.

For high-risk patients who relapse on FCR or elderly patients, ibrutinib is a more effective choice in the frontline setting, O'Brien explains.