Profile of venetoclax and its potential in the context of treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Over the last few years, dramatic changes have occurred in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The current standard for young and fit patients with CLL remains chemoimmunotherapy, namely the fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) regimen. However, novel oral therapies are presently being introduced and represent a considerable breakthrough concerning effectiveness and safety profile. In particular, the very high-risk group of CLL patients, defined by the genetic aberration del(17p) and/or TP53 mutation, benefit from the new agents. These genetic abnormalities are the most relevant negative prognostic markers in the context of chemoimmunotherapy. New targeted therapies allow different approaches to improve outcomes.

Keywords:

• CLL
• del(17p)
• TP53
• BCL-2
• venetoclax

Disclosure

SS has received research funding and been an advisory board member to AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Genentech, Genzyme, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Mundipharma, Novartis, Pharmacyclics, and Hoffmann-La Roche. SS has non further conflicts of interest. The other authors also report no conflicts of interest in this work.