In a nutshell
This study looked at the use of obinutuzumab (Gazyva) pretreatment to reduce side effects of chemotherapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Researchers found that obinutuzumab pretreatment is effective in reducing chemotherapy side effects in these patients.
Some background
Treatment of CLL involves powerful chemotherapy drugs. This can lead to side effects such as tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). This is when dead cancer cells release toxic substances into the bloodstream. This can damage important organs such as the kidneys, heart or brain. It is important to research ways to reduce or prevent this.
Methods & findings
30 patients were included in this study. Patients were given 2 cycles of obinutuzumab, followed by 6 cycles of obinutuzumab plus venetoclax (Venclexta), and then by 6 cycles of venetoclax alone. After this, patients were given venetoclax treatment according to their response to the first part of the treatment.
Risk of TLS was reduced in 25 (83%) patients. No patient remained high risk for TLS. 26 patients had undetectable signs of disease after treatment.
The bottom line
The study concluded that pretreatment with obinutuzumab was safe and effective in reducing the risk of TLS when treating patients with CLL.
The fine print
A small sample size may have affected results. Larger studies are needed. This study was supported by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, the manufacturer of obinutuzumab.
Published By :
Blood advances
Date :
Dec 26, 2018
