Case Based - Overview

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

• Evaluate treatment options for patients with newly diagnosed CLL
• Describe factors predictive of treatment outcomes from chemoimmunotherapy in frontline CLL

Overview and Purpose

Overview and Purpose
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the United States, with an estimated 14,990 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2010. Both clinical and cytogenetic prognostic factors have been used to identify patients at high risk of developing CLL. Purine analogues and alkylating agents, either alone or in combination, have been commonly used in frontline therapy for patients with CLL. However, they have failed to produce sustained responses. The recent introduction of chemoimmunotherapy regimens, particularly those incorporating an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody into purine analogue–based chemotherapy backbones, has significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed CLL and changed the therapeutic landscape of the disease. In a phase III trial conducted in patients with untreated CLL, the addition of an anti-CD20 antibody to purine analogue–based chemotherapy significantly improved the complete response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. More recent advances include the clinical development of antibodies targeting novel cell surface molecules as well as new targeted/cytotoxic agents for the treatment of CLL. In addition, investigative efforts have focused on identifying molecular and genetic risk factors for their prognostic and predictive values in patients with CLL.

The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on frontline regimens for treating patients with newly diagnosed CLL.

Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists and hematologists involved in the care of patients with CLL. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity