Dr. Talley on the CAPTIVATE Trial in CLL

Robert L. Talley, MD, hematologist/medical oncologist, Centerpoint Medical Center, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, discusses the CAPTIVATE trial in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) can certainly be used long-term, says Talley. It is a very effective agent and may result in long-term responses, but it has to be given continuously, explains Talley. Many of the currently available biologic agents and monoclonal antibodies are expensive, which has prompted concerns over rising healthcare costs.

The frontline combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax (Venclexta) in patients with CLL was limited to 12 cycles. At the end of 12 combined cycles, there was a randomization for placebo versus ibrutinib alone. The combination demonstrated an 100% objective response rate. The complete remission rate was 36% in 11 patients with available bone marrow data.

Both agents are very effective alone and work quite differently, but complement each other when combined, says Talley. Ibrutinib has the ability to decrease the tumor lysis risk, which allows for better safety with venetoclax, Talley concludes.