The BCCA Provincial Systemic Therapy Program approves Bendamustine With Rituximab for Previously Untreated CLL or SLL
January 1, 2017 Bendamustine With Rituximab for Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) (ULYCLLFBR) –
Fludarabine-based chemotherapy is the standard first-line therapy for CLL and SLL.However, in patients who are not suitable for this intensive therapy, bendamustine with rituximab is now available as an alternative upfront treatment. A recently published phase III, randomized study (CLL10 Study) compared bendamustine and rituximab against fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR).1 In this trial, the two treatment arms were equally effective in improving overall survival, but FCR demonstrated superior median progression free survival (55.2 mo vs. 41.7 mo). Bendamustine with rituximab was, however, better tolerated particularly in elderly patients over 65 years of age.
Read more: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/systemic-therapy-site/Documents/2017%20ST%20Updates/ST%20Update_Jan%202017_09Jan2017.pdf
