Neil E. Kay, MD

Neil E. Kay, MD, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, discusses the challenges that arise when treating a patient with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Historically, responses in this setting have been short lived.

Newer drugs such as ibrutinib (Imbruvica), idelalisib (Zydelig), rituximab (Rituxan), and venetoclax (Venclexta) have been approved by the FDA for relapsed/refractory CLL. Kay notes there is less emphasis on prognostic factors to determine whether a patient would be able to receive these agents. However, adverse prognostic factors mean less to a physician when treating a patient with one of these agents, Kay says.

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Neil E. Kay, MD,&nbsp;a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, discusses the challenges that arise when treating a patient with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Most times, responses in this setting are short lived.

Addressing Challenges for Patients With Relapsed CLL

Neil E. Kay, MD, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, addresses the &ldquo;Big 4&rdquo; in salvage therapies for patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including a newer therapy coming down the pipeline now.

Based on findings from clinical trials, Kay says the 4 major salvage therapies right now include ibrutinib (Imbruvica), venetoclax (Venclexta), idelalisib(Zydelig)/rituximab (Rituxan), and allogeneic bone marrow transplant. While it remains unclear in which order to administer these treatments, a wise decision can be made based off a patient&rsquo;s age, comorbidities, and treatment goals.

Neil E. Kay, MD, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, addresses the &ldquo;Big 4&rdquo; in salvage therapies for patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including a newer therapy coming down the pipeline now.

Neil E. Kay, MD | Authors

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Addressing Challenges for Patients With Relapsed CLL

Current Salvage Therapy Options for Relapsed/Refractory CLL