The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,

 discusses the next steps with ​the combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and ​short-course fludarabine in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Data from a phase 2 pilot trial (NCT02514083) ​suggest that the combination of ibrutinib and short‐course fludarabine is safe and effective in patients with previously untreated CLL, says Pleyer. 

Although high complete remission rates were achieved, longer follow-up data is needed to determine whether these findings can translate into long-term clinical benefit, such as improved progression-free survival and overall survival​. 

Looking to the future, research efforts should focus on identifying effective time-limited treatments and combination therapies that induce high rates of undetectable minimal residual disease, Pleyer concludes.

Videos

Christopher Pleyer, MD, discusses the next steps with ​the combination of ibrutinib and ​short-course fludarabine in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Dr. Pleyer on Next Steps With Ibrutinib Plus Short-Course Fludarabine in Previously Untreated CLL

 discusses the safety and effectiveness of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) plus short-course fludarabine in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

The combination of ibrutinib and short‐course fludarabine appears to be safe in patients with CLL, according to results from a 

. No excess toxicities were observed in this patient population, says Pleyer; prolonged T-cell depletion was not reported. 

The combination appears to be effective, with patients achieving high rates of complete remission (CR). However, longer follow-up is needed to determine whether these high rates of CR translate into long-term clinical outcomes, particularly improved progression-free survival and overall survival, concludes Pleyer.

Christopher Pleyer, MD, discusses the safety and effectiveness of ibrutinib plus short-course fludarabine in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Christopher Pleyer, MD

Articles

Dr. Pleyer on Next Steps With Ibrutinib Plus Short-Course Fludarabine in Previously Untreated CLL

Dr. Pleyer on Remaining Questions With Ibrutinib Plus Short-Course Fludarabine in CLL