New Oral Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Approved in Italy
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a prevalent form of leukemia in adults, primarily affecting individuals around the age of 70. In Italy, approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with this disease each year, with the majority being elderly patients. While not always aggressive, treating this disease in older individuals with other age-related health issues can pose challenges. However, recent advancements in scientific research have led to the development of new therapies that have significantly improved outcomes and quality of life for these patients.
The Italian Medicines Agency (Aifa) has recently approved reimbursement for a new combination of medicines, ibrutinib and venetoclax, as a chemo-free, oral therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who have not been previously treated. This innovative treatment approach aims to provide personalized care to patients based on their individual symptoms, disease stage, and prognosis.
Dr. Luca Laurenti, an Associate Professor at the Institute of Hematology of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, highlighted the significance of this new therapy in enhancing the personalized treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax has shown promising results in clinical studies, with a substantial treatment-free period and improved overall survival rates.
The effectiveness of this new therapy lies in the unique mechanisms of action of ibrutinib and venetoclax. While ibrutinib targets a protein crucial for the proliferation of tumor cells, venetoclax inhibits another protein responsible for tumor cell survival. Clinical studies, including the GLOW and CAPTIVATE trials, have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Dr. Francesca Romana Mauro, an Associate Professor at the Institute of Hematology of the Sapienza University of Rome, emphasized the long-term benefits of using ibrutinib in treating this disease. The flexibility of adjusting the drug dosage based on the patient’s tolerability and adverse reactions further enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
The approval of this new oral therapy offers hope for individuals living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Italy, providing them with a more convenient and effective treatment option. With ongoing advancements in medical research, the future looks promising for improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with this challenging disease.