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NEWLY DIAGNOSED

If you have recently been diagnosed with CLL, you probably have questions. 

Information about CLL

What we are doing to defeat CLL

List of CLL specialists around the world

(Provided by ACOR) 

FEATURED VIDEO 

A New Oral CLL and SLL Treatment: What Could It Mean for Patients?

Dr. John Pagel

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center 

Ask the Expert: What is CLL vs. SLL?

Dr. William Wierda

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Ask the Expert: What is the Relationship between CLL and Infections?

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS?

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August 2014  

Positive Interim Arzerra Results

GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab announced positive interim results of Arzerra (ofatumumab) as maintenance therapy for CLL. The study evaluated ofatumumab maintenance therapy versus no further treatment (observation) in patients with relapsed CLL who responded to treatment at relapse.

In this Phase III study, 532 patients were randomized at relapse to either ofatumumab maintenance treatment or to no further treatment. Patients in the ofatumumab arm received an initial dose of 300 mg of ofatumumab, followed one week later by a second dose of 1,000 mg, then doses of 1,000 mg every 8 weeks for up to two years, while patients in the observation treatment arm received no further treatment.

The study looked at progression free survival as a primary endpoint and clinical benefit, safety, tolerability and quality of life as secondary objectives. The interim results indicate ofatumumab showed an improvement in progression free survival; however, we will have to wait for more detailed data to be released.

TG Therapeutics Studies Combinations

TG Therapeutics is launching a study to combine two of its experimental drugs with ibrutinib. According to TG Therapeutics, this is the first time that a BTK-inhibitor (ibrutinib) and a PI3k delta inhibitor have been used in combination with each other in patients.  Previously, the company combined TG-1101, a glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, and TGR-1202, a PI3K delta inhibitor. 

Preliminary data from the two-drug combination was presented earlier this summer.  Four of five patients from the CLL cohort achieved a partial response, or > 50% decrease in disease, at first assessment and the fifth patient achieved stable disease with a nodal reduction of nearly 45% awaiting a second efficacy assessment. 

The company is adding ibrutinib to the doublet regimen mentioned above under the hypothesis that the triple therapy may be safe and well-tolerated, and offer even greater activity.

TIME TO PREPARE FOR FLU SEASON

Summer is over. The kids are back in school. Now is the time to start preparing for the flu season. It is important you get a flu shot each year. The flu season will soon be underway and your best protection against it is by getting a flu shot.

CLL patients have a weakened immune system which puts them at a somewhat higher risk for catching the flu. The flu itself is dangerous but so are the potential complications that arise from the flu such as pneumonia.

Did you know that there are multiple types of flu shots? It may be important to know what type of vaccine you are getting. CLL patients (and those with underlying medical conditions) should get the flu shot as opposed to the nasal spray flu vaccine. The nasal spray flu vaccine is a live vaccine that carries a small risk of infection.

We suggest consulting with your physician before being vaccinated, particularly if you have had severe reactions to prior flu vaccines or if you are allergic to chicken eggs.

In addition to getting a flu shot, the next best thing to do this season is practice good personal hygiene. Do not underestimate the power of good hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers. Here's hoping everyone stays flu-free over the next few months.  

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US!

Thanks for joining us for another issue of Tidbits. Best of luck to all the students and teachers for a wonderful school year.