Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have dramatically improved survival in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Most patients achieve deep molecular responses, such that TKIs can be safely and successfully stopped. However, specific preconditions for stopping TKI treatment in CML have not been defined.
Immuno-oncology agents, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, are altering treatment paradigms in multiple solid and liquid tumors. Nivolumab (NIVO) was recently indicated for use in patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma, representing the first approval of checkpoint inhibitors in a hematologic malignancy. Researchers report early but intriguing findings regarding use of NIVO and 5-azacitidine in adults with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Venetoclax, a selective oral BCL-2 inhibitor, is approved in the United States for use in patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after 1 prior therapy. Studies evaluating the role of venetoclax in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies and other agents used for CLL represent the next step in the agent’s evolution. Using post hoc analysis, this study compares outcomes associated with venetoclax monotherapy to venetoclax combined with rituximab in relapsed CLL.
Ibrutinib, the first commercialized inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, is now approved for first-line use in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Because patients enrolled in clinical trials, as well as the level of monitoring in trials, do not always reflect community-based oncology practice, it is critical to evaluate data from large patient registries to learn if outcomes are reproducible in the real world.
A large phase 3 trial compared blinatumomab, a bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct, with standard-of-care chemotherapy regimens in adults with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).