Dr. Ryan on the Efficacy of Ibrutinib Plus Obinutuzumab in Relapsed/Refractory CLL

Christine Ryan, MD, hematology/oncology fellow, the Department of Medical Oncology, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the significance of data for ibrutinib (Imbruvica) plus obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). 

A phase 1b trial (NCT02537613) investigated potential sequencing options for the combination of ibrutinib and obinutuzumab in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL who have received at least 1 prior line of CLL-directed therapy.

Data shared at the 2022 EHA Congress showed that progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates were similar for all patients treated with the doublet, including those in high-risk subgroups, Ryan says. Among the overall population, the combination elicited a 4-year PFS rate of 74%, Ryan explains.

The findings from the phase 1b study have set the stage for addition evaluation of ibrutinib plus obinutuzumab in relapsed/refractory CLL, Ryan continues. This combination is particularly intriguing because it generated responses in all 3 patients in the phase 1b trial who previously progressed on venetoclax (Venclexta), Ryan concludes.