Dr. Barr on the Need to Develop Novel Therapies in CLL

Paul M. Barr, MD, an associate professor of medicine and director of the Clinical Trials Office at the Wilmot Cancer Institute of the University of Rochester Medical Center, discusses the need to develop novel therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

CLL has welcomed a wealth of novel treatment options into the paradigm in recent years, explains Barr. However, like all therapies, these agents have limitations and can cause significant toxicity for patients with this disease. Additionally, no curative options are currently available for these patients, says Barr. As such, some patients with CLL require the development of additional agents to sufficiently treat and manage their disease.

At the 2020 ASH Annual Meeting, Barr presented findings from a phase 1/2 trial of umbralisib, ublituximab, and venetoclax (Venclexta) in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. According to the virtual poster presentation, the regimen was well tolerated and demonstrated encouraging efficacy for patients, including those who were refractory to BTK inhibitors.