Dr. Ailawadhi on Next Steps With Lisaftoclax in CLL and Other Hematologic Malignancies

Sikander Ailawadhi, MD, professor of medicine, consultant, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, consultant, Department of Cancer Biology, lead, International Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, discusses the next steps with lisaftoclax (APG-2575) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other hematologic malignancies.

Findings from a phase 1 study (NCT03537482) of lisaftoclax that were presented during the 2021 International Workshop on CLL demonstrated an 80% objective response rate with the agent in patients with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Notably, lisaftoclax induced responses at multiple dose levels, ranging from 20 mg to 1200 mg.

The differences between lisaftoclax and venetoclax (Venclexta) account for the differences in toxicity noted between the BCL-2 inhibitors, Ailawadhi explains.

Additional trials are ongoing evaluating lisaftoclax in multiple myeloma (NCT04674514) and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (NCT04260217). Additionally, the phase 1 study in CLL is being expanded. Other studies are ongoing or planned in CLL to evaluate lisaftoclax in patients who progressed on venetoclax or in combination with other agents (NCT04215809), Ailawadhi concludes.