Targeted Therapies for Frontline Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
The treatment paradigm of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has rapidly shifted in recent years. Although chemoimmunotherapy served as the backbone of treatment for decades, incorporation of targeted therapies into CLL treatment algorithms has markedly improved patient outcomes. A deeper understanding of molecular pathways involved in CLL led to the development and FDA approval of targeted inhibitors of BTK and BCL2, including the novel oral agents ibrutinib1-4, acalabrutinib5, and venetoclax.6 These agents, with or without the addition of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), demonstrated superiority over chemoimmunotherapy in the front-line setting and are now endorsed as preferred treatment options by national guidelines.7 During this presentation, we will discuss relevant literature surrounding use of targeted therapies in the front-line setting with a focus on practical considerations for clinicians. 

Speaker: Taylor Weis, PharmD, BCOP, Memorial Sloan Kettering