Evaluating Value of BTK Inhibitors in CLL Treatment

Meaningful change thresholds for the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are: −11/+11 for symptom burden, −16/+16 for physical condition/fatigue, and −16/+13 for worries/fears.

Despite found associations, due to small sample sizes the researchers suggest readers interpret their findings with caution.

This multiyear follow-up of more than 3300 patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (R/R CLL) who received ibrutinib—the longest study of its kind—confirms the agent’s efficacy as a salvage treatment but reveals new information about its impact in different subpopulations with varying clinical characteristics.

The new report is an attempt to provide comprehensive safety data on the rapidly changing treatment landscape for relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

For patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated previously with venetoclax and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, many more trials are needed to pinpoint the best next steps

The venetoclax-based regimen was associated with an approximate $8000 decrease in costs compared with the continuous Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment 6 months after the fixed-duration period.