Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc, associate director, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), discusses the initial results of a phase Ib study of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) in combination with obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL.

The first 28 patients of this trial were randomized to 3 arms. The results have been interesting in terms of the difference in infusion reactions, explains Davids. In the first arm with single-agent obinutuzumab, there was a 63% rate of infusion reactions. In arm B, there were no infusion reactions, and in arm C there was 1 reaction, which was dramatically less than expected.

Even though the trial is not completely accrued, there is a clear signal to start ibrutinib before or at the same time as obinutuzumab.

In terms of efficacy, the results also seem promising across the different arms. There is a high rate of radiographic complete remission. Davids says that this will be an effective combination and inform the design of future combination studies, and physicians will be able to sequence ibrutinib and obinutuzumab in the optimal way for patient safety and efficacy.

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Dr. Davids on Results of Obinutuzumab With Ibrutinib in CLL

Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc, associate director, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and obinutuzumab (Gazyva) for patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

For patients with relapsed/refractory CLL, ibrutinib is the current standard therapy. There are many combination studies investigating ibrutinib plus obinutuzumab, explains Davids. In a phase Ib study, investigators are determining if the order of administration of ibrutinib and obinutuzumab affects the safety and the efficacy of the combination.

Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc, associate director, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, discusses the combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and obinutuzumab (Gazyva) for patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Dr. Davids on the Combination of Ibrutinib and Obinutuzumab in CLL

Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc, associate director, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, discusses ibrutinib (Imbruiva) plus fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR) in younger patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

In a study of patients aged 65 or less, ibrutinib is being combined with FCR for up to 6 months, followed by ibrutinib maintenance therapy.

Davids says that many patients in this population like the idea of a combinatorial time-limited approach to treatment, and since they are a fit population, they can undergo a more intensive therapeutic regimen.

Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc, Associate Director, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, discusses ibrutinib plus FCR in younger patients with CLL.

Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc

Articles

Dr. Davids on Results of Obinutuzumab With Ibrutinib in CLL

Dr. Davids on the Combination of Ibrutinib and Obinutuzumab in CLL

Dr. Davids on Ibrutinib Plus FCR in Younger Patients With CLL