Each year, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) holds its annual conference to share the latest research and breakthroughs in blood cancers. At this year’s meeting, several studies revealed important new findings for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results highlight advances in treatment options, including new drugs and strategies that may help patients stay in remission longer, reduce side effects, and improve quality of life.
Here’s a look at the top takeaways that patients with CLL should know about.
1) Shorter CLL treatment seems to offer the same benefits as longer continuous treatment option
A major study found that a time-limited treatment with venetoclax-based (Venclexta) therapies works just as well as staying on ibrutinib long-term for people newly diagnosed with CLL. In other words, many patients can get the same benefit without needing to stay on treatment forever. These findings are significant because it means patients may have fewer long-term side effects and daily medication burdens. More research is needed to examine how well this approach works for different patient groups, including those with certain gene changes.
2) Study suggests next-generation drug could improve CLL outcomes
A new study found that the CLL treatment pirtobrutinib may work better than ibrutinib, especially for patients whose disease has come back or stopped responding to earlier treatments. In the trial, more patients responded to pirtobrutinib than to ibrutinib. Early results suggest it may also help keep the cancer from progressing for a longer time, especially in patients who had never been treated before. This is significant because this new therapy is well-tolerated even in older patients and could lead to fewer treatment-related side effects.
3) Many immunotherapy patients may be able to safely skip hospitalization
Patients receiving advanced immunotherapies, such as CAR-T therapy, may be safely monitored at home instead of staying in the hospital for several days. This approach helps patients keep their normal routines, lowers the chance of hospital-related complications, and can reduce healthcare costs. As more people receive these life-changing therapies, at-home monitoring could make treatment easier and more comfortable.
4) Long-term results show zanubrutinib is effective and well-tolerated
A six-year study shows that zanubrutinib is effective for people newly diagnosed with CLL or SLL, even for those with higher-risk disease. Most people responded strongly to the treatment, and many were able to go years before needing another therapy. The drug was generally well-tolerated, making it a manageable option for long-term care. These results suggest zanubrutinib is a safe and effective first treatment choice for people starting CLL therapy.
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