In a nutshell
This study looked at the effectiveness of venetoclax-rituximab (Venclexta–Rituxan) in patients with unresponsive or relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Researchers found that this treatment improved survival in patients with CLL.
Some background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow. This can lead to an abnormal immune system. It is often treated with powerful chemotherapy drugs. These may not work in all patients or lose response over time. In patients who relapse or do not respond, targeted therapy is an option. Rituximab and venetoclax are such therapies. They target certain proteins on cancer cells that keep those cells alive. This leads to cancer cell death. The effectiveness of this treatment combination is still under investigation.
Methods & findings
389 patients were included in this study. Patients received either venetoclax-rituximab or bendamustine (Levact)-rituximab combination for 2 years. Blood samples were measured for signs of disease. Survival was also evaluated. Patients were followed up for 36 months.
Patients who received the venetoclax combination were 84% more likely to survive without signs of disease than the bendamustine group. The venetoclax group was also 50% more likely to have a better overall survival compared to the bendamustine group. At the end of treatment, 70% of patients treated with venetoclax–rituximab had no signs of cancer in the blood. Survival at 3 years without cancer progression was 71.4% in patients in the venetoclax group.
The bottom line
The study concluded that venetoclax-rituximab chemotherapy improved the outcomes in patients with unresponsive or relapsed CLL.
The fine print
This study was funded by Genentech and AbbVie, the manufacturers of venetoclax.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
Dec 03, 2018
