Dr. Ayers on Trials Examining Venetoclax in CLL

Emily C. Ayers, MD, a hematologist​/oncologist​ and an assistant professor at University of Virginia Health, discusses recent trials examining the use of venetoclax (Venclexta) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CLL).

Several studies have taken place over the last few years examining the use of this agent, including the MURANO trial, Ayers says. In this trial, venetoclaxplus rituximab (Rituxan)was given to patients with relapsed/refractory disease and demonstrated benefit over chemotherapy.

In 2019, the CLL14 studyexaminedthe frontline combination of venetoxlax and obinutuzumab (Gazyva). Patients who were given the combination saw improvements in both progression-free survival and overall survival.