Novel treatment strategies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The recent introduction of new active agents has led to a renaissance of clinical investigation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These agents include three purine analogues, (pentostatin, fludarabine, and cladribine) and two monoclonal antibodies (rituximab and CAMPATH I-H). Careful clinical studies have allowed for the development of novel combinations of two and even three non-cross- resistant agents. These preliminary studies indicate that such combinations can induce complete responses in a larger proportion of patients than can single-agent therapy. In CLL, survival is superior for patients achieving a complete response compared with patients achieving a partial response. Therefore, strategies designed to induce high-quality responses in the majority of patients may one day lead to improved survival or possibly even cure in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.