Dr. von Tresckow on "Sequential Triple-T" Trial in CLL

Julia von Tresckow, MD, specialist in oncology, University of Cologne, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, German CLL Study Group, discusses the CLL2-BIG trial, which explored the combination of obinutuzumab (Gazyva) and ibrutinib (Imbruvica) for induction and maintenance treatment of physically fit and unfit patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients with high tumor burden were also given bendamustine as debulking.

Researchers designed this exploratory phase II trial based on the so-called “triple-T” concept of tailored and targeted treatment aiming at total eradication of minimal residual disease, von Tresckow explains. The open-label, multicenter trial recruited approximately 62 patients in an exploratory design in an effort to approve the “triple-T” concept and to have an idea about how the combination works in CLL, she adds.

Results showed that the treatment was, overall, well tolerated and that signs of efficacy also showed promise. However, these findings are still early, she adds, and further evaluations will confirm the overall response rate.