Barbara Eichhorst, MD of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses potential concerns with venetoclax. The advantage of venetoclax is that the drug is administered for a certain time period (up to 12 months). What is seen so far in frontline therapy, is that all patients respond to this therapy. There is concern, however, regarding the incidence rate of Richters transformation, as it still holds a very poor prognosis. Furthermore, with late toxicities, more Richters transformation could occur. However, these observations are based heavily on pre-treated patients with 17p deletion where it is known that they have a significant risk of developing Richters syndrome. Dr. Eichhorst notes that these patients are to be monitored extremely carefully in frontline therapy. Recorded at the 2016 International Workshop of the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG) in Cologne, Germany.
Potential concerns with ventoclax and Richter’s transformation
