Dr. Abedin on Frontline Treatment Considerations in CLL


Sameem Abedin, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discusses frontline treatment considerations for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Many factors are considered in terms of patient preference and toxicities when managing CLL, although one of the most important considerations from a patient standpoint is duration of therapy, according to Abedin. For example, if a patient could potentially do equally well receiving venetoclax (Venclexta) and an anti-CD20 therapy, which is a fixed duration therapy, or a BTK inhibitor, it is important to present that 1 treatment is a fixed duration approach while the other is continuous, Abedin explains.

Additionally, toxicities must be discussed in that context, Abedin adds. With venetoclax-based treatment, more monitoring is required, as patients are at increased risk for tumor lysis syndrome, as well as subsequent cytopenia and neutropenia. As such, throughout the year they are on treatment, patients may be subject to more blood monitoring, as well as adjustments to their therapy, Abedin concludes.