Dr. Jennifer Brown on Duvelisib in CLL

Jennifer R. Brown, MD, PhD, director, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Center Senior Physician, associate professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses duvelisib for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

PI3 kinase inhibitor duvelisib is different from idelalisib because it inhibits the gamma isoform, which is expressed in CLL cells. The advantages of this are unclear; however, it is possible that inhibiting the gamma isoform could lead to enhanced efficacy, says Brown. It could also increase toxicity, she adds.

Data regarding duvelisib are promising, says Brown. At the follow-up of the phase I study, about 66% of patients were still in remission after 2 years. The drug is now in registration trials.