Opinion
Video
Unmet Needs In CLL and SLL Treatment Management
Deborah Stephens, DO, shares unmet needs in the current treatment landscape of CLL and SLL.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a Peer Exchange involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Tara Graff, DO, MS; Ryan Jacobs, MD; Deborah Stephens, DO; and Jennifer Woyach, MD.
Stephens discusses how Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors address unmet needs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) compared to previouschemotherapies with severe adverseeffects that impacted patients’ lives. Ibrutinib was a game changer as the first BTK inhibitor that patients could take as a pill at home. This ease of access and high efficacy servesa major unmet need. Even newer therapies still require in-person infusions unlike BTK inhibitors, which can be shipped to patients directly. This provides wider access with less frequent lab monitoring or clinic visits.
However, unmet needs remain since these drugs are not curative and must be taken continuously. Adverseeffects still occur, and resistance can develop after multiple lines of therapy. So while BTK inhibitors have helped patients live their liveswith minimal impact, areas needing work include finding a cure, further reducing adverseeffects, and overcoming resistance. A key benefit is the convenience and accessibility for patients.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC® editorial staff.
