First-line treatment for CLL in the era of targeted therapy. (PubMed, Blood Cancer J)
The primary first-line treatment options for CLL comprise continuous therapies based on the BTK inhibitors ibrutinib, zanubrutinib, or acalabrutinib, or fixed-duration regimens combining the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax with obinutuzumab or the BTK inhibitors ibrutinib or acalabrutinib (with or without obinutuzumab). Selecting the appropriate targeted therapy requires careful evaluation of a multitude of factors, including molecular disease features (especially del[17p]/TP53 and IGHV mutational status), comorbidities, comedications, and the patient's preferences. Focusing on primary treatment options, we review data from the key controlled trials that support the first-line use of targeted therapies for patients with CLL, consider ongoing trials that may support clinical decision-making in the future, and assess the potential to personalize treatment regimens in CLL based on minimal residual disease status.