An update on the management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Despite the lack of long-term survival data, the impressive results obtained with fludarabine- and rituximab-based therapies have altered the philosophy of the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Therapy with chemoimmunotherapy appears to give higher responses with more patients achieving complete remission and some molecular remission. This may potentially translate into improved disease-free survival, and potentially a 'cure'. Treatment options for patients who develop resistance to fludarabine continue to be limited. This review summarises current chemo-, immuno-, and chemoimmunotherapeutic regimens that are being currently evaluated in patients with CLL.
Yee
Karen W L
KW
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Section of Developmental Therapeutics, Department of Leukaemia, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
O'Brien
Susan M
SM
Giles
Francis J
FJ
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D008722:Methods; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic