This is a very early head’s up.  Things are moving so fast that sometimes I have to alert you with information that might be a little bit premature.  Please take that into account as you read this alert.

We discussed Remdesivir and convalescent plasma in the previous article. In this continuation of the topic, we will discuss monoclonal antibody cocktail(s).

While we wait for the results of the German double arm trial making this important comparison between these two chemoimmunotherapy regimens, here are the results of a single arm B+R trial that allows a reasonable degree of comparison against the present day gold standard of FCR.

PCI-32765 (ibrutinib) is one of the new generation of targeted kinase inhibitors that is getting a lot of attention.  ASCO 2012 had three important papers on this drug.  So far, so good!  But please make sure you read the Editorial section as well, where I highlight some adverse effect concerns based on feedback I got from people taking this drug.

A certain percentage of patients undergo the dreaded “Richter’s transformation” into a far more aggressive lymphoma.   But it is not an automatic kiss-of-death.  Here is the real-life story of a patient whose experiences should give you reassurance.

I must confess, happy endings are not as frequent as I would wish in high risk patients undergoing mini-allo stem cell transplants.  Here is a real-life case history.  On this lovely spring day, it is good to remind ourselves of health, renewal and hope.  I think you will like Jane’s story.

Here is a perfect example of a drug therapy regimen that is more dangerous than the disease.  You are all familiar with FCR, the present day gold standard. This French clinical trial substituted Campath in place of of Rituxan.   Big mistake.  Don’t let anyone talk you into this combination – it might kill you sooner than the CLL.

Even for the young at heart, age does make a difference.  This is of particular importance when we consider therapy options for elderly patients.  Here is a review of a “best practices” paper that discusses the special needs of elderly CLL patients.

Kinase inhibitors such as PCI-32765 are going to play an important role for CLL patients.  How important?  How best to use them? What are realistic adverse effects?  Who is most likely to benefit?  This well designed NIH / NCI clinical trial will help answer these questions – without conflict of interest or good science taking a backseat to commercial hype. We really need this trial.  Merry Christmas to us all! 

PCI-32765 is a very interesting kinase inhibitor drug, similar to CAL-101.  Here is the latest information on this drug presented at ASH2011 (December, 2011) conference.  This and other next generation designer drugs like it may change the whole ballgame for CLL patients living today.