Understanding the Unmet Needs in Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Korea

Since the FDA approval of ibrutinib in 2012, the treatment landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) has undergone a paradigm shift. Nevertheless, the disease remains incurable, posing ongoing clinical challenges. In Korea, these challenges are further compounded by unique characteristics of patients and national healthcare system.

The multicenter retrospective analysis included 519 patients diagnosed with CLL/SLL between 2006 and 2024 across three major Korean institutions.

The median age at diagnosis was 62 years. Among 267 patients who received first-line therapy, 68.9% (184/267) were treated with immunochemotherapy, 19.4% (52/267) with cytotoxic chemotherapy, and 11.2% (30/267) with a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. Since the Korean approval of ibrutinib in 2016, BTK inhibitor use has steadily increased. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that patients receiving BTK inhibitor-based therapy had more favorable outcomes compared to those treated with immunochemotherapy.

This study provides the most comprehensive real-world reflection of current diagnostic and therapeutic practices in Korea. Through comparative analysis with international data, it offers valuable insights into the limitations of current CLL/SLL care and may inform future strategies to optimize management in the Korean context.