In a nutshell
This study looked at the effectiveness of stopping ibrutinib (Imbruvica) or using it at different stages of treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Researchers found that ibrutinib was effective in patients with CLL at all stages of treatment.
Some background
CLL is a cancer of the immune system. I may be linked with abnormal genes. Ibrutinib is a drug which targets abnormal genes. It is often given as the first drug of choice in the treatment of CLL. It is not known if stopping ibrutinib or giving it earlier or later during treatment is more effective.
Methods & findings
Information was analyzed on 271 patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib. 136 had not received treatment before and 135 had relapsed or unresponsive CLL. Patients were followed up for 36-44 months.
The overall response rate was 92% in both groups. After 3 years, the overall survival rate was 88% in patients who had not been treated before. This rate was 83% in patients who received 1-2 treatments before ibrutinib. In patients who received 3 or more therapies before ibrutinib, the overall survival rate was 75%. Stopping ibrutinib due to side effects was similar among both groups. Most patients (64%) remained on treatment.
The bottom line
The study concluded that ibrutinib was effective in all stages of CLL treatment. Researchers suggested that starting ibrutinib early was more effective in the treatment of patients with CLL.
The fine print
This study had a small sample size. After stopping treatment, the follow-up period was short. This may limit the study's results.
Published By :
American Journal of Hematology
Date :
Feb 14, 2019
