ASH 2018 | Restoring T-cell function in CLL with venetoclax
The dysfunction of T-cells is widely observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, Arnon Kater, MD, PhD, of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, describes the promising data from the HOVON 139 (GIVE) trial (2015-004985-27), which investigated T-cell profiles in patients receiving obinutuzumab-venetoclax combination therapy. Looking at patients who were measurable residual disease negative at the end of treatment, a normalization in T-cell numbers was seen. In addition, the number of regulatory T-cells, follicular T-helper cells, and PD-1 expression on CD8+ T-cells, all reduced following 1 year of this treatment. Prof. Kater explains how venetoclax restores T-cell function through its targeting of CLL cells, and suggests why future combinations with venetoclax could be very promising in CLL. This interview was recorded at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, CA.
