Jeff Sharman, MD, a medical oncologist at the Willamette Ballet Cancer Institute and Research Center, also serving as the Medical Director of Hematology Research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute.
Phase 3 Elevate TN trial, a focus of Sharman’s work. The trial, designed for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, included three arms: a control arm with Obinutuzumab chlorambucil, and two experimental arms with either acalabrutinib monotherapy or a combination of acalabrutinib with obinutuzumab. Sharman reveals that the study resulted in FDA approval for acalabrutinib in previously untreated patients.
During the discussion, Sharman unveils key findings from the six-year follow-up study. Notably, patients receiving acalabrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab exhibited a 78 percent progression-free survival at six years. The data also highlights the value of obinutuzumab, emphasizing a 16 percent absolute improvement in progression-free survival at the six-year mark.
Delving deeper, Sharman explores factors influencing patient outcomes, such as the impact of achieving a complete response and the significance of IGHV mutation status. Notably, patients with deletion 17P did not experience improved outcomes with obinutuzumab.
The interview concludes with a look toward the future, as Allen inquires about the next steps for the data. Sharman explains that while the study led to the approval of acalabrutinib with or without obinutuzumab, ongoing research aims to determine the optimal frontline therapy, investigating various doublet combinations. Sharman hints at the MAGIC study, comparing venetoclax with either acalabrutinib or obinutuzumab, as a step toward identifying the most effective treatment strategies for patients.
In summary, Jeff Sharman, MD’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the Elevate TN trial, shedding light on findings that may shape the future of CLL treatment.