Francesco Forconi, MD

Francesco Forconi, MD, associate professor of Hematology, University of Southampton, United Kingdom, discusses questions that remain regarding inhibiting the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Treatments such as idelalisib (Zydelig) and ibrutinib (Imbruvica), which inhibit the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, have shown success in the treatment of patients with CLL.

However, one question that remains is, why is the BCR variable, and can this variability be targeted therapeutically and more effectively, said Forconi. 

While BCR-associated kinase inhibitors can be very effective therapeutic targets, they are not necessarily sufficient, he said. 

There needs to be a better understanding of how B-cell signaling is influenced, what other pathways influence that, and how BCR-signaling inhibitors can be associated with other known genotoxic and chemotherapeutic agents. 

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Dr. Francesco Forconi on Questions That Remain Regarding Inhibiting the B-cell Receptor in CLL

Francesco Forconi, MD, associate professor of Hematology, University of Southampton, United Kingdom, discusses the role of the B-cell receptor (BCR) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

CLL is a disease with a very variable outcome, says Forconi.  It was recently published that the ability of CLL to progress depends on the BCR immunoglobulin (IgM) levels and the BCR signaling levels. Those cells that have a stronger capacity through IgM will progress more rapidly than those that have low IgM signaling capacity or lower IgM levels.  

By targeting this molecule it may be possible to improve outcomes, says Forconi. A better understanding of how the BCR functions in CLL will make it easier to design a therapeutic regimen to fight the disease, he says.

Author | Francesco Forconi, MD

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