Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Management of Adverse Events in the Era of Targeted Agents

Cancers (Basel). 2024 May 24;16(11):1996. doi: 10.3390/cancers16111996.

Abstract

The treatment landscape for CLL has undergone a profound transformation with the advent of targeted agents (TAs) like Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKis) and BCL-2 inhibitors (BCL-2is). These agents target crucial cellular pathways in CLL, offering superior efficacy over traditional chemo-immunotherapy, which has led to improved progression-free and overall survival rates. This advancement promises enhanced disease control and potentially normal life expectancy for many patients. However, the journey is not without challenges, as these TAs are associated with a range of adverse events (AEs) that can impact treatment efficacy and patient quality of life. This review focuses on detailing the various AEs related to TA management in CLL, evaluating their frequency and clinical impact. The aim is to present a comprehensive guide to the effective management of these AEs, ensuring optimal tolerability and efficacy of TAs. By reviewing the existing literature and consolidating findings, we provide insights into AE management, which is crucial for maximizing patient outcomes in CLL therapy.

Keywords: BCL-2 inhibitors (BCL-2is); Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKis); Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL); Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS); adverse event management; cardiac toxicity; drug–drug interactions; hematological toxicity; infection management; targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Review