chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Othman Al-Sawaf MD PhD, a hematologist from University Hospital of Cologne, presents early data from the CLL17 international phase three trial at ASH 2025. The findings indicate that fixed-duration treatment with venetoclax plus obinutuzumab or venetoclax plus ibrutinib is non-inferior to continuous ibrutinib for patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia, potentially becoming the preferred treatment.

Wojciech Jurczak MD PhD discusses research from ASH 2025, revealing that the non-covalent BTK inhibitor pirtobrutinib is superior to bendamustine plus rituximab as initial therapy for untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. The BRUIN CLL-313 phase 3 study found pirtobrutinib significantly improved progression-free survival and was well-tolerated. These data suggest pirtobrutinib could become a new standard of care for these patients.

Dr. Jennifer A. Woyach discusses promising phase III study findings at ASH 2025, revealing that the non-covalent BTK inhibitor pirtobrutinib is as effective as ibrutinib, while demonstrating less toxicity, in patients with relapsed/refractory and treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. This first randomized head-to-head comparison shows pirtobrutinib met its primary endpoint of non-inferiority for overall response rate.

Audio Journal of Oncology SAN DIEGO—The first-line treatment of choice for older patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) should now be single agent ibrutinib according to conclu