Dr. Mato on Managing Side Effects With Ibrutinib/Idelalisib in CLL

Anthony Mato, MD, director of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Program, University of Pennsylvania, discusses how oncologists can manage adverse events associated with ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and idelalisib (Zydelig) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Recognizing that toxicities can be a reason for discontinuation of treatment is important, Mato explains. The more often that community oncologists administer agents such as ibrutinib and idelalisib, the more likely they will become more familiar with managing the associated toxicities.

If it is unacceptable or medically difficult for a patient to continue medication due to its side effects, there are alternative strategies, Mato says. Researchers will begin exploring other B-cell receptor antagonists that may have improved efficacy with minimal toxicity.