Dr. Rai on Novel Approaches in CLL

Kanti R. Rai, MD, professor, The Karches Center for Oncology Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, director, Center for Oncology and Cell Biology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, professor, Medicine and Molecular Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, discusses some novel approaches being used in the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

The newer developments in the field have been more targeted and therapeutical approaches so that, in the field of CLL, certain specific or molecular points have been identified, Rai explains. This includes BTK inhibition.

Additionally, these are unique to the leukemic cell and if researchers have a treatment specific to that target, then it is more likely that the cancer cell will be negatively affected or destroyed, he adds. Moreover, normal bone marrow cells will then be preserved.