ASH 2019 | Obinutuzumab +/- bendamustine debulking prior to venetoclax in CLL
Venetoclax is an effective oral agent for the frontline treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, due to the rapid induction of cell death tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) may occur in some patients. Jeff Sharman, MD, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, Eugene, OR, discusses the phase IIIb GIBB study (NCT02320487) exploring the efficacy of using obinutuzumab, with or without bendamustine, prior to initiation of venetoclax, in order to reduce tumor burden and thus eliminate the need for hospitalization, as well as reduce the risk of TLS. Results suggest that debulking via obinutuzumab, with or without bendamustine, may allow more patients to be given venetoclax in the outpatient setting. This interview took place at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2019 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, FL.
