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Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports 2/2020

01-04-2020 | Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemias (N Jain, Section Editor)

Is There a Role for Chemotherapy in the Era of Targeted Therapies?

Authors: Jason C. Lee, Nicole Lamanna

Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been rapidly evolving over the past few years. The prior standard of care, chemoimmunotherapy, is being replaced by targeted agents, and the utility of chemotherapy has come under question. In this review, we examine recent data comparing chemoimmunotherapy to targeted agents, how these data impact clinical management, and whether there are potential future roles for cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Recent Findings

Clinical trials have shown improved clinical outcomes with targeted agents compared to traditional chemoimmunotherapy. Based on these data, the current treatment paradigm primarily favors targeted agents over chemoimmunotherapy, with a few exceptions. However, targeted agents have notable limitations, and thus, there may be a future role of cytotoxic chemotherapy when administered in combination with targeted agents.

Summary

Although targeted agents have nearly replaced chemoimmunotherapy in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, novel combinations utilizing chemotherapy are being developed that may lead to better outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Is There a Role for Chemotherapy in the Era of Targeted Therapies?
Authors
Jason C. Lee
Nicole Lamanna
Publication date
01-04-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1558-8211
Electronic ISSN: 1558-822X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-020-00563-8

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