GCLLSG 2016 | Updates to the iwCLL guidelines

Michael Hallek, MD, PhD of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany talks about new International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iwCLL) guidelines at the 2016 International Workshop of the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG) held in Cologne, Germany. Prof. Hallek explains that it is important to think about whether or not the iwCLL guidelines need to be changed as there has been so much innovation in the subject. Although most of the guidelines can remain as they were, there are some exceptions. Firstly, the relevant prognostic factors (IgVH mutational status, deletion of 17p, P53 mutation, and Beta-2-microglobulin) will be carved out. Secondly, with the novel inhibitors, they are continuously given and we see more and more continued therapy for several years. It was not clear how to assess response in these patients because in former times we needed to stop therapy and then assess response 2 to 3 months later. This is not possible under continued treatment. So the guidelines had to be clarified to avoid confusion. Furthermore, he discusses minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment.