Ibrutinib Combination Therapies for Patients With CLL
A recent study examining the scientific rationale and clinical results of ibrutinib combinations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) found that the combination of ibrutinib and targeted agent venetoclax may provide high complete response rates and, importantly, high rates of undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD; Blood Cancer J. 2021). Low complete remission rates, development of resistance, and uncommon substantial toxicities are some of the limitations of Ibrutinib as a treatment for CLL. Because Ibrutinib must be used until disease progression, it creates a financial burden on patients with CLL. “These limitations were the impetus for the development of ibrutinib combinations” wrote Natalia Timofeeva, Pre-clinical Cancer Researcher, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and colleagues.