Dr. Cohen on the Use of Chemoimmunotherapy in CLL

Jonathon B. Cohen, MD, MS, associate professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, co-director, Lymphoma Program, medical director, Infusion Services, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, discusses the role of chemoimmunotherapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Historically, chemoimmunotherapy was the standard of care in the frontline and relapsed/refractory settings in CLL. Standard fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (Rituxan; FCR) has shown prolonged disease remission without need for additional therapy,explains Cohen.

However, oral agents have provided an alternative that could spare patients the short- and long-term toxicities associated with chemoimmunotherapy, says Cohen. Although oral agents are recommended for most patients, chemoimmunotherapy may be a preferred regimen in young patients with low-risk CLL, Cohen concludes.