Dr. John Byrd on Challenges in CLL

John Byrd, MD director of the Division of Hematology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute discusses challenges in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Novel treatments are exciting, but unfortunately not all patients are responding, says Byrd. There is a relatively uncommon condition called Richter's syndrome, where CLL transforms into an aggressive lymphoma, which is difficult to treat. That is an area where more research is needed, says Byrd.

Another challenge in CLL comes from the high cost of the treatments available. Patients often can not afford the drug that is best for them due to low income, or inadequate insurance. This needs to solved, says Byrd.