With new developments in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), is there a possibility of eradicating the disease? In this interview, Francesco Forconi, MD, DM, PhD, FRCPath, of the University of Southampton, Southampton, UK discusses the two primary mechanisms of CLL pathogenesis, which include antigen simulation through the B-cell receptor and pro-survival mechanisms that are constitutively active. Dr Forconi explains how ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor, has been shown to be effective but not sufficient in eradicating the disease, whilst venetoclax, a BH3 mimetic that selectively inhibits BCL-2, has proven to be effective, but has several limitations. Dr Forconi introduces the exciting CLARITY trial (ISCRTN13751862), part of Bloodwises Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP), which aims to target these disease mechanisms. This video was recorded at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, GA.
Next steps in gaining CLARITY on CLL
