Combination of Ibrutinib and Venetoclax in the Therapy of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Review of the Latest Data from Clinical Studies

Abstract

New Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors caused drastic modifications in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ibrutinib, the first in its class BTK inhibitor, showed high efficacy in many clinical studies. However, the treatment with BTK inhibitors as monotherapy must not be discontinued. Ibrutinib monotherapy inevitably leads to BTK inhibitor resistance and severe adverse events, which often results in treatment failure. Inhibitor BCL-2 venetoclax combined with BTK inhibitor can increase the therapy efficacy due to the synergetic effect of these agents on different CLL cell populations. Combined therapy potentially providing fixed-duration treatment can yield deeper responses. The present review focuses on ibrutinib and venetoclax combination, summarizes the latest data from clinical studies, and deals with feasibility of combined therapy in terms of its efficacy and safety profile.