Evolving Treatment Strategies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Insights From ASH 2023 - Episode 6
Treatment Strategies for Managing BTK Inhibitor Intolerance in CLL
Richard Furman, MD, outlines his strategy for addressing BTK inhibitor intolerance in CLL patients, underscoring the significance of BTK inhibitors in CLL treatment and advocating for transitioning to an alternative BTK inhibitor rather than completely discontinuing the class in cases of drug intolerance.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a News Network involving Richard Furman, MD, and Chaitra S. Ujjani, MD.
Furman discusses Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor intolerance and alternative BTK agents, emphasizing her approach starting with ibrutinib, considering it the least well tolerated. Despite classic adverse events like diarrhea and bruising, some patients have been on ibrutinib for 13 years, showcasing its positive impact. Atrial fibrillation, hypertension, joint aches, and nail/hair changes are common adverse effects. Moving to zanubrutinib, acalabrutinib, and pirtobrutinib, each generation shows better tolerability, but idiosyncratic reactions persist.
Furman acknowledges diverse adverse events like headaches and brain fog, highlighting that patients who are intolerant to one BTK inhibitor often tolerate another. Abstracts explore using a different BTK inhibitor in intolerant patients, emphasizing the class’ importance for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Ujjani advocates not abandoning BTK inhibitors but trying a different one to find effective and well-tolerated therapy. This highlights the significance of the BTK inhibitor class in CLL treatment.
This summary was AI-generated and reviewed by OncLive® editorial staff.