CLL Treatment
- The drug obinutuzumab is now being combined with two targeted-therapy agents in certain treatment plans to potentially increase it effectiveness
- The drugs are the BTK inhibitor, which targets the BTK protein, and a BCL2 inhibitor such as venetoclax
- One potential side effect is an entity called tumor lysis syndrome, where the cells die all at the same time and can cause kidney or electrolyte problems
The drug obinutuzumab, recommended as a treatment option for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), is now being combined with other agents in certain treatment plans to potentially increase its effectiveness.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and acalabrutinib (Calquence) with/without obinutuzumab (Gazyva) are the preferred first treatment for all previously untreated patients.
Obinutuzumab is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting a CD20 antigen, a protein found on B cells (which, in the case of CLL, are cancerous). This summons your body’s immune system to attack and kill the cells.
The drug is given intravenously, meaning through an IV infusion.
Obinutuzumab is usually most effective when used in combination with CLL targeted-therapy drugs, says Dr. Julie Vose, chief of hematology and oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’ Buffett Cancer Center.
The other drugs are:
- A BTK inhibitor, which is an oral drug that targets a protein on the B cells called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK)
- A BCL2 inhibitor such as venetoclax, also taken orally, that targets the protein BCL2
When obinutuzumab is combined with these other drugs, says Dr. Vose, it more effectively targets and kills CLL cells.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
“The issue with CLL is that if the patient has a lot of cells, they can be [susceptible] to a disease or entity called ‘tumor lysis syndrome,'” says Dr. Vose. “That’s where the cells — because the treatment is so effective — die all at the same time.”
Tumor lysis syndrome can cause kidney problems, as well as an imbalance of electrolytes.
Patients receiving obinutuzumab need to be monitored carefully during treatment. This may require hospitalization during their first treatment and, possible, for subsequent treatments.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Julie Vose Dr Vose is an internationally known leading expert in the treatment of patients with lymphoma, and is currently the Neumann M. and Mildred E. Harris Professorial Chair and Chief of the Oncology and Hematology Division in the Department of Internal Medicine at UNMC. Read More
CLL Treatment
- The drug obinutuzumab is now being combined with two targeted-therapy agents in certain treatment plans to potentially increase it effectiveness
- The drugs are the BTK inhibitor, which targets the BTK protein, and a BCL2 inhibitor such as venetoclax
- One potential side effect is an entity called tumor lysis syndrome, where the cells die all at the same time and can cause kidney or electrolyte problems
The drug obinutuzumab, recommended as a treatment option for people with
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), is now being combined with other agents in certain treatment plans to potentially increase its effectiveness.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and acalabrutinib (Calquence) with/without obinutuzumab (Gazyva) are the preferred first treatment for all previously untreated patients.
Read More Obinutuzumab is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting a CD20 antigen, a protein found on B cells (which, in the case of CLL, are cancerous). This summons your body’s immune system to attack and kill the cells.
The drug is given intravenously, meaning through an IV infusion.
Obinutuzumab is usually most effective when used in combination with CLL targeted-therapy drugs, says Dr. Julie Vose, chief of hematology and oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’ Buffett Cancer Center.
The other drugs are:
- A BTK inhibitor, which is an oral drug that targets a protein on the B cells called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK)
- A BCL2 inhibitor such as venetoclax, also taken orally, that targets the protein BCL2
When obinutuzumab is combined with these other drugs, says Dr. Vose, it more effectively targets and kills CLL cells.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
“The issue with CLL is that if the patient has a lot of cells, they can be [susceptible] to a disease or entity called ‘tumor lysis syndrome,'” says Dr. Vose. “That’s where the cells — because the treatment is so effective — die all at the same time.”
Tumor lysis syndrome can cause kidney problems, as well as an imbalance of electrolytes.
Patients receiving obinutuzumab need to be monitored carefully during treatment. This may require hospitalization during their first treatment and, possible, for subsequent treatments.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Julie Vose Dr Vose is an internationally known leading expert in the treatment of patients with lymphoma, and is currently the Neumann M. and Mildred E. Harris Professorial Chair and Chief of the Oncology and Hematology Division in the Department of Internal Medicine at UNMC. Read More
