Dr. Alkharabsheh on Emerging Treatment Options in CLL

Omar Alkharabsheh, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist, as well as an assistant professor of Interdisciplinary Clinical Oncology at the USA College of Medicine, discusses emerging treatment options in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Currently, clinical trials and treatment options for patients with CLL are expanding, Alkharabsheh says. While multiple agents are available in the space, it is unknown which therapies are best, according to Alkharabsheh. Several recommendations exist within the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for both single-agent and combination strategies. This presents a challenge, as it is difficult to select 1 option with the intent of providing the best outcome, Alkharabsheh explains. 

Patients must be informed on all the available options and be matched to inclusion criteria of ongoing clinical trials, Alkharabsheh says. Many approaches exist, but it is important to identify the best one with the fewest adverse effects and potential complications, while also factoring in patient comorbidities, Alkharabsheh concludes.