It is impressive to see an overall survival benefit in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),” said Gregory A. Masters, MD, FASCO, who moderated an ASCO press conference where the RESONATE study data were discussed. “Patients treated with [ibrutinib] have a long survival. Ibrutinib can be an encouraging option because of its manageable toxicity. This drug’s efficacy can potentially transform the treatment of CLL, replacing more toxic therapy,” added Dr. Masters, who is Attending Physician at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, Delaware.

Olatoyosi Odenike, MD, Associate Professor at the University of Chicago and University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, said, “The issue is how to best use ibrutinib and move it into the front-line setting. It is truly a transformative drug.”

Lee Greenberger, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, White Plains, New York, said that ibrutinib can hold the disease in check for many years. “Ibrutinib is one of a few emergent drugs that will change the landscape of how CLL is treated, making CLL look more like chronic myelogenous leukemia after the advent of imatinib.” ■

Disclosure: Drs. Masters, Odenike, and Greenberger reported no potential conflicts of interest.